Senior Quantity Surveyor

Jobtrain; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Lancer Scott is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial performance across allocated construction projects in the UK. You will manage budgets, CVRs, cost reporting and risk mitigation, while mentoring junior QS staff and collaborating with operations and design teams.

The role requires substantial quantity surveying experience, strong contractual knowledge, and a track record of delivering value on complex schemes. A UK-recognised degree in QS or Commercial Management is preferred.

Qualifications

• Substantial quantity surveying experience within a main contracting environment.
• Strong contractual and commercial knowledge covering payment, change control, notices, claims, loss and expense, subcontract administration and final accounts.
• Strong cost management, forecasting, CVR, procurement, measurement, valuation and reporting capability, with sound commercial judgement and attention to detail.
• Experience of medium to large-scale construction projects; refurbishment, fitout, façade/cladding remediation and complex occupied-building experience would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with clients and project teams and lead and develop less experienced commercial staff.

Responsibilities

• Take commercial responsibility for allocated projects, ensuring robust cost control, forecasting, reporting and early identification of risks and opportunities.
• Review contract conditions, amendments, Employer's Requirements and project information; identify obligations and entitlements and ensure contractual notices and records are maintained.
• Prepare and manage budgets, cost value reconciliations (CVR’s), cash-flow forecasts and monthly commercial reports for review with the Commercial Manager.
• Prepare and submit applications for payment, variations and loss and expense / prolongation entitlements; manage certification, payment and cash collection.
• Manage subcontract procurement and administration including enquiries, tender comparisons, recommendations, orders, valuations, variations, payment notices, final accounts, warranties, bonds and guarantees.
• Measure, value and agree works, variations, dayworks and final accounts with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, maintaining accurate supporting records.
• Work closely with Operations, Design, SHEQ and project teams on programme, procurement, change, risk, delay and disruption, ensuring commercial implications are identified and managed.
• Attend project, commercial and client meetings and maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants and the supply chain.
• Lead commercial project handover from pre-construction and maintain project records, correspondence and commercial files in accordance with Company procedures.
• Manage, support and mentor Quantity Surveyors and Graduate Quantity Surveyors, reviewing outputs, allocating workload and supporting their professional development.
• Assist the Commercial Manager with resource planning, project reviews, management reporting and wider commercial improvement initiatives.

Skills

Quantity Surveying

Commercial Management

Contractual knowledge

Cost control

Leadership / mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Job description

Why work for us?

Established in 1998 Lancer Scott offers renowned high-quality construction projects and facilities management services, often competing and winning work from our much larger competitors. We are based in the heart of Bristol and have enjoyed significant success, particularly in the last 4 years with turnover increasing from £56 million in 2020 to £125 million in 2025.

To ensure our business remains fully supported we are investing into our people strategy and infrastructure to give our employees the tools to perform to the best of their ability.

What is the main purpose of this role?

To provide senior commercial and quantity surveying leadership across allocated projects, controlling, monitoring and reporting on financial and contractual performance from project commencement through to final account. Reporting to the Commercial Manager, the Senior Quantity Surveyor will protect the Company's commercial position, support effective project delivery and lead, mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors and Graduate Quantity Surveyors as allocated.

What will be my core responsibilities?

• Take commercial responsibility for allocated projects, ensuring robust cost control, forecasting, reporting and early identification of risks and opportunities.
• Review contract conditions, amendments, Employer's Requirements and project information; identify obligations and entitlements and ensure contractual notices and records are maintained.
• Prepare and manage budgets, cost value reconciliations (CVR’s), cash-flow forecasts and monthly commercial reports for review with the Commercial Manager.
• Prepare and submit applications for payment, variations and loss and expense / prolongation entitlements; manage certification, payment and cash collection.
• Manage subcontract procurement and administration including enquiries, tender comparisons, recommendations, orders, valuations, variations, payment notices, final accounts, warranties, bonds and guarantees.
• Measure, value and agree works, variations, dayworks and final accounts with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers, maintaining accurate supporting records.
• Work closely with Operations, Design, SHEQ and project teams on programme, procurement, change, risk, delay and disruption, ensuring commercial implications are identified and managed.
• Attend project, commercial and client meetings and maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants and the supply chain.
• Lead commercial project handover from pre-construction and maintain project records, correspondence and commercial files in accordance with Company procedures.
• Manage, support and mentor Quantity Surveyors and Graduate Quantity Surveyors, reviewing outputs, allocating workload and supporting their professional development.
• Assist the Commercial Manager with resource planning, project reviews, management reporting and wider commercial improvement initiatives.

What skills and experience do I need to be successful in this role?

• Substantial quantity surveying experience within a main contracting environment, with experience of independently managing the commercial performance of construction projects.
• Strong contractual and commercial knowledge covering payment, change control, notices, claims, loss and expense, subcontract administration and final accounts.
• Strong cost management, forecasting, CVR, procurement, measurement, valuation and reporting capability, with sound commercial judgement and attention to detail.
• Experience of medium to large-scale construction projects; refurbishment, fitout, façade/cladding remediation and complex occupied-building experience would be advantageous.
• Proven ability to manage competing priorities, communicate effectively with clients and project teams and lead and develop less experienced commercial staff.

You will ideally have:

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management.
• Construction estimating experience within the UK construction or facilities management industry.
• A relevant construction or commercial qualification, preferably a BSc in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management, would be advantageous, together with professional accreditation or progress towards professional membership.

We are an equal opportunities employer committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.

Building Communities at Lancer Scott

At Lancer Scott, we’re committed to giving back through hands‑on support, funding, and partnerships that create lasting impact. We've helped deliver projects like East Street Mews, providing housing for young homeless people, and revitalised community spaces such as the East Looe Hub and a Scouts hut in Gloucestershire. Our partnership with Community of Purpose enables us to support initiatives like the Bristol Young Heroes Awards and the Break Free Programme, giving young people opportunities to thrive.

Join us at Lancer Scott, where your work helps strengthen communities.