Senior quantity Surveyor

Construction, Property and Engineering; Basingstoke; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 111,000; Full time

Job summary

Randstad CPE is seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to own the commercial delivery of high-quality new-build and refurbishment projects in the UK, up to £10 million. The role covers pre-construction to final accounts, with a focus on margin protection and value optimization.

You will lead procurement, manage subcontractor packages, and oversee CVRs and variations while mentoring junior staff. Hybrid working 2–3 days from the office in Basingstoke and 2–3 days from home.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent.
• MRICS/MCIOB accreditation desirable but not essential.
• Experience managing commercial operations in the UK construction sector.

Responsibilities

• Procurement, subcontracts management, and tender documentation.
• Cost control, CVRs, cash flow forecasts, and site liability reporting.
• Value-engineering with design teams while protecting build quality and safety.
• Mentor and supervise Assistant or Trainee Quantity Surveyors.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Excel

Cost control

Contract administration

Negotiation

Estimating software

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

MRICS/MCIOB desirable

Tools

COINS

Job description

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced, commercially astute Senior Quantity Surveyor to take commercial ownership of high-quality new-build and refurbishment developments uip to £10 million.

As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will lead the commercial management across the full lifecycle of multiple schemes-from pre-construction procurement through to final accounts and post-completion reviews. Working closely with the site delivery, technical, and commercial leadership teams, you will protect margins, eliminate cost leakage, and drive maximum commercial value across the sites.

Key Responsibilities

• Procurement & Subcontractor Management:

  • Prepare detailed trade packages, scopes of work, and tender documentation.

  • Negotiate, let, and administer robust subcontractor packages in line with target programs and budgetary constraints.

  • Carry out valuations, manage applications for payment, administer variations, and agree final accounts.

• Cost Control & Financial Reporting:

  • Prepare accurate monthly Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), cash flow forecasts, and site liability reports for senior commercial leadership.

  • Track actual costs against budget estimates, identifying potential cost overruns early and proposing practical mitigation strategies.

  • Ensure full compliance with commercial operating frameworks, contractual obligations, and internal governance.

• Design & Commercial Optimization:

  • Work proactively with technical and design teams to identify value-engineering opportunities without compromising build quality or safety.

  • Manage site variations, provisional sums, and compensation events efficiently.

• Mentorship & Leadership:

  • Mentor and support Assistant or Trainee Quantity Surveyors, fostering high standards of commercial diligence and industry best practice.

What They Are Looking For

• Experience: Demonstrable track record managing commercial operations within the UK construction sector

• Technical Knowledge: Strong understanding of standard residential construction methodologies, building regulations, NEC and JCT forms of contract.

• Commercial Acumen: Robust negotiation skills, contract administration expertise, and an analytical eye for budget control and risk management.

• Systems & Software: High proficiency in Microsoft Excel and dedicated construction estimating/commercial software (e.g., COINS).

• Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or equivalent commercial experience. MRICS or MCIOB accreditation is desirable but not essential.

The role is freelance and outside scope of IR35 so will be Umbrella PAYE with no exceptions but there is an enhanced rate to cover this.

They offer flexible working with 2/3 days a week from the office in Basingstoke or nearest Site and 2/3 days a week from home.

Randstad CPE values diversity and promotes equality. No terminology in this advert is intended to discriminate against any of the protected characteristics that fall under the Equality Act 2010. We encourage and welcome applications from all sections of society and are more than happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and/or additional arrangements as required to support your application.

Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.

For the purposes of the Conduct Regulations 2003, when advertising permanent vacancies we are acting as an Employment Agency, and when advertising temporary/contract vacancies we are acting as an Employment Business.