Quantity Surveyor

M O'Brien Group; St Albans; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

M O’Brien Group in the United Kingdom is seeking a Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial management across a portfolio of civil engineering and construction projects. You will work with customers, project teams and stakeholders to control costs, manage contracts and ensure delivery in line with the business plan.

The role requires strong cost control, procurement oversight, and effective reporting including CVR and MPR.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline or equivalent experience.
• Membership of RICS or CICES is desirable.
• CSCS card holder is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Take full accountability for the financial and contractual performance of allocated projects.
• Monitor project financial performance to meet profit targets and cash-flow objectives.
• Ensure contractual obligations and timescales are understood and monitored.
• Manage change control processes in line with contracts.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities proactively.
• Provide commercial advice and support to project teams and stakeholders.
• Manage commercial queries and advise on contractual and legal matters including risks and disputes.

Skills

Commercial management

Cost control

Change management

Stakeholder engagement

IT proficiency

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

RICS/CICES membership desirable

Tools

Microsoft Office

Cost management software

Job description

Overall Job Purpose

The Quantity Surveyor will be responsible for the effective commercial management of some of our various projects across the country, working closely with customers, project teams, and key stakeholders to support successful project delivery, ensure compliance with contractual requirements, and achieve business plan objectives.

The role will involve managing all project costs, working collaboratively with supply chain partners, and providing accurate and timely commercial information to support informed decision‑making.

The Quantity Surveyor will monitor and report on the commercial performance of projects within their remit, ensuring that risks and opportunities are proactively managed and that there are no unexpected commercial issues for M O’Brien or its customers.

Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities

Commercial and Contract Management

• Take full accountability for the financial and contractual performance of allocated projects.
• Monitor project financial performance to ensure profit targets, efficiency savings, and cash‑flow objectives are achieved.
• Ensure contractual obligations and timescales are understood, monitored, and administered effectively.
• Manage and administer change control processes in accordance with contractual requirements.
• Identify, assess, and proactively manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Provide commercial advice and support to project teams and stakeholders.
• Manage commercial queries and provide appropriate advice on contractual and legal matters, including potential risks, claims, and disputes.
• Ensure all commercial activities are undertaken in accordance with company policies, procedures, and governance requirements.

Procurement and Supply Chain Management

• Deliver a compliant and commercially robust procurement process in accordance with company procedures.
• Support the selection and appointment of suitable supply chain partners.
• Ensure suppliers and subcontractors have completed all required compliance checks prior to the placement of orders.
• Build and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Effectively administer subcontract agreements, including the preparation, assessment, negotiation, and settlement of claims.
• Ensure subcontractor payments and commercial processes are administered accurately and within contractual timescales.
• Proactively resolve payment and commercial issues to maintain positive supply chain relationships.

Cost Control, Forecasting and Reporting

• Maintain accurate and up‑to‑date financial records, cost plans, forecasts, and commercial logs.
• Monitor project costs, commitments, revenue, and forecast outturn against approved budgets.
• Prepare accurate and timely monthly commercial reporting, including Monthly Progress Reports (MPR), Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR), and supporting commentaries.
• Monitor cost and value performance and identify areas requiring corrective or remedial action.
• Prepare for and attend monthly cost review meetings with customers and project teams.
• Identify, assess, and report variations, changes, risks, and opportunities, ensuring appropriate actions are agreed and implemented.
• Support the timely preparation and submission of customer applications for payment to maximise cash flow and ensure revenue is recovered in accordance with contractual terms.
• Ensure cost and commercial information is accurate, transparent, and available to support effective project decision‑making.

Stakeholder and Relationship Management

Build strong stakeholder relationships, communicate commercial information effectively, and provide constructive challenge to influence positive financial and contractual outcomes. Work collaboratively across teams while promoting transparency, accountability, continuous improvement, and commercial awareness.

Experience and Knowledge

• Proven experience and a consistent track record of success in a Quantity Surveying or commercial management role.
• Demonstrable experience managing the financial and contractual performance of projects.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgement, and take ownership of responsibilities.
• Good understanding of project cost control, forecasting, commercial reporting, and contract administration.
• Experience in managing change, variations, claims, valuations, and final accounts.
• Demonstrable ability to build and maintain effective relationships with project teams and stakeholders.
• Proven track record of delivering work to agreed deadlines and commercial objectives.
• Experience within a civil engineering or construction environment.
• Good level of IT proficiency, including the use of Microsoft Office and relevant commercial systems.
• General knowledge and experience of cost management software and commercial tools.
• Understanding of Lean principles and continuous improvement methodologies is desirable.

Qualifications and Professional Membership

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Commercial Management, or a related discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Membership of, or actively working towards membership of, a recognised professional body such as the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (CICES) is desirable.
• CSCS card holder is desirable.