Quantity Surveyor

Thorn Baker Recruitment Ltd; Poole; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks an experienced Quantity Surveyor for a major redevelopment project in Poole. The role involves managing day-to-day commercial activities, preparing cost reports, and supporting procurement on-site. Candidates should have over 5 years of experience in construction, strong knowledge of cost control and contract administration, and be based locally. This position offers a chance to lead a high-profile project with significant responsibilities in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor in construction.
• Experience on large‑scale commercial or residential projects (≥ £10m; ideally £25m+).
• Strong knowledge of procurement, measurement, cost control, and contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on‑site commercial representative.
• Prepare cost reports and commercial updates.
• Manage subcontract packages and variation accounts.
• Support change management and monitor risks.

Skills

Cost control

Stakeholder collaboration

Organizational skills

Education

Accreditation with RICS or equivalent

Job description

Job title: Quantity Surveyor (Freelance)

Location: Poole, Dorset

Expected Start Date: March 2026

About the Project

We are commencing a major £35m commercial‑to‑residential redevelopment project in Poole, scheduled to begin in March 2026 and run for approximately 3 years. This is a high‑profile conversion scheme with complex phasing, stakeholder coordination, and significant procurement and cost‑management responsibilities.

To support the Senior Project QS, we are seeking an experienced, locally‑based Quantity Surveyor to act as the daily commercial lead on site and client facing.

Role Overview

The Quantity Surveyor will manage day‑to‑day commercial activity, ensuring accurate cost control, robust documentation, and smooth communication with the Senior Project QS and the wider project team. You'll be the commercial presence on site each day, responsible for gathering data, validating valuations, monitoring progress, and supporting procurement and contract administration.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the primary on‑site commercial representative, feeding all reports, measurements, and updates into the Senior Project QS.
• Prepare cost reports, weekly variation logs and commercial updates.
• Undertake on‑site measurement, valuation of works, and verification of subcontractor progress.
• Manage subcontract packages and variation accounts.
• Monitor and reconcile materials on site.
• Support change management, ensuring variations are captured, evidenced, and submitted promptly.
• Monitor risk and opportunity, reporting regularly to the Senior QS and Project Director.
• Collaborate with site management to track progress, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate commercial records.
• Contribute to final accounts, ensuring documentation is complete and compliant.
• Ensure all cost‑related activity aligns with project budget, programme, and client expectations.

Requirements

• Minimum 5+ years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor in construction.
• Experience on large‑scale commercial or residential projects (≥ £10m; ideally £25m+).
• Strong knowledge of procurement, measurement, cost control, and contract administration.
• Familiarity with D&B JCT contracts.
• Accreditation with RICS or equal.
• Confident working independently and reporting remotely to a lead QS.
• High accuracy, strong organisational skills, proactive problem‑solving.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration.
• Must be based locally to Poole or within a practical commuting distance.
• Must be willing to work full‑time on site.