Senior Quantity Surveyor

VGC; Drayton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

VGC is seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial and contractual aspects on major civil engineering and construction projects in Oxfordshire. You will oversee cost management, procurement, subcontract administration, forecasting, reporting, and commercial risk throughout the project lifecycle.

The role involves maximising profitability, protecting contractual entitlements, managing cash flow, and mentoring junior commercial staff within a dynamic project team.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying or related discipline.
• Proven experience in quantity surveying within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, rail, highways, utilities or major projects.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract and subcontract administration.
• Experience managing project costs, procurement, valuations and final accounts.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Manage all commercial and contractual matters on assigned projects.
• Prepare and maintain cost forecasts, cost-to-complete assessments, cost/value reconciliations.
• Produce monthly valuations, commercial reports, and final account forecasts.
• Monitor project performance, identify risks and opportunities, implement mitigation strategies.
• Manage procurement activities, evaluate subcontract packages, and place orders.
• Ensure subcontractor obligations are clearly defined and monitored.

Skills

Quantity surveyor

Contract administration

Cost management

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

HND or equivalent

Job description

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: Oxfordshire

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to take responsibility for all commercial and contractual aspects of major civil engineering and construction projects. Reporting to the Project Manager and commercial leadership team, you will lead cost management, procurement, subcontract administration, forecasting, reporting, and commercial risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

The successful candidate will play a key role in maximising project profitability, protecting contractual entitlements, managing cash flow, and supporting the development of junior commercial staff.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Management

• Manage all commercial and contractual matters on assigned projects.
• Prepare and maintain accurate cost forecasts, cost-to-complete assessments, and cost/value reconciliations.
• Produce monthly valuations, commercial reports, and final account forecasts.
• Monitor project performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement mitigation strategies.
• Ensure robust commercial controls are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
• Maximise revenue opportunities while minimising waste and commercial exposure.
• Monitor and recover contractual entitlements, variations, and claims.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Lead procurement activities in accordance with company procedures.
• Prepare procurement schedules alongside project delivery teams.
• Evaluate subcontract packages, negotiate terms, and place orders in a timely manner.
• Ensure subcontractor scope, quality, programme, health, safety, and environmental obligations are clearly defined within contractual documentation.
• Manage supplier and subcontractor relationships to ensure successful project delivery.

Subcontract Administration

• Measure, value, and certify subcontractor works.
• Manage subcontract applications, payments, variations, and final accounts.
• Ensure contractual notices are issued correctly and within required timescales.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records of liabilities, accruals, and forecasting information.
• Ensure subcontract performance is monitored and assessed throughout delivery.

Contract Administration

• Review and understand contract conditions and commercial obligations.
• Provide contractual advice to project teams and management.
• Ensure all contractual communications and notices are managed effectively.
• Maintain accurate records to support contractual positions and entitlement recovery.
• Protect and promote the company's commercial interests at all times.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Manage valuation and reporting processes with client commercial representatives.
• Ensure additional works are instructed and appropriately valued before commencement where possible.
• Provide regular cash flow forecasts and final account updates.

Project Close-Out

• Support timely agreement of final accounts.
• Ensure subcontract and supplier accounts are concluded efficiently.
• Assist with defect management and commercial close-out activities.
• Complete project reviews, lessons learned, and archiving requirements in accordance with company procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

Essential

• Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, rail, highways, utilities, or major project environments.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract and subcontract administration.
• Demonstrable experience managing project costs, procurement, valuations, and final accounts.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.

Desirable

• Membership of or working towards membership with a recognised professional body such as:
• Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
• Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
• Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
• Experience on large-scale infrastructure or multidisciplinary construction projects