Senior Quantity Surveyor

MAC GROUNDWORK CONTRACTORS LTD; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A groundwork and civil engineering contractor in the UK is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor/Estimator to join their team. The ideal candidate will prepare detailed tenders, manage project financials, and ensure profitability, while collaborating with various teams for successful project execution. This role is vital for those with experience in groundworks or civil engineering, offering competitive compensation, opportunities for progression, and a supportive team culture.

Benefits

Company vehicle or car allowance

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company pension scheme

Qualifications

• Experience as a Senior QS or Estimator in groundworks or civil engineering.
• Strong knowledge of NEC/JCT forms of contract.
• Ability to deliver profitable projects with accurate estimates.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed tenders for groundwork and civil engineering projects.
• Manage financial performance of projects from award to final account.
• Provide accurate reporting on project performance to senior management.

Skills

Senior QS or Estimator experience

Knowledge of SMM7

Cost management skills

Proficient in Microsoft Excel

Numerical and analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Verbal communication skills

Education

Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying

Job description

About the Company

MAC Groundwork Contractors Ltd is a well-established groundwork and surfacing contractor delivering high-quality civil engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK. Our expertise spans site preparation, drainage, foundations, external works and major infrastructure schemes in the education, commercial, industrial, sport and leisure sectors. As part of our continued growth, we are seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor / Estimator to strengthen our commercial team and support our expanding workload across multiple frameworks and project types.

About the Role

The Senior QS / Estimator will play a pivotal role in driving commercial success from tender through to final account. You’ll take responsibility for the preparation of estimates, tender submissions and cost plans, as well as managing live project financials to ensure profitability and contract compliance. This is a key position for a commercially minded professional who thrives on balancing technical accuracy, client engagement and cost control within a dynamic contracting environment.

Responsibilities

Estimating & Tendering

• Prepare detailed and competitive tenders for groundwork and civil engineering projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and contract documents to produce accurate cost estimates.
• Liaise with clients, suppliers and subcontractors to obtain pricing and technical input.
• Develop value engineering options and alternative construction solutions.
• Support business development with early-stage budget estimates and tender proposals.

Commercial & Financial Management

• Manage the financial performance of allocated projects from award to final account.
• Prepare and agree interim valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Monitor costs, forecast margins and ensure projects remain within agreed budgets.
• Work closely with site and operations teams to align cost control with production.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

Collaboration & Reporting

• Provide clear, accurate reporting to senior management on project performance and pipeline.
• Collaborate with estimating, procurement, and operations teams to ensure consistent commercial strategy.
• Manage the estimating department, sharing expertise and promoting best practice across the business.

Qualifications

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience as a Senior QS or Estimator within groundworks, civil engineering, or related construction sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of SMM7, CESMM, and NEC / JCT forms of contract.
• Proven ability to manage costs, produce accurate estimates and deliver profitable projects.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and estimating.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and negotiation skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication, with confidence in client-facing situations.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable Attributes

• Degree or HNC / HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or Civil Engineering.
• Experience in both pre and post contract phases within a contracting environment.
• Proactive, detail-oriented and commercially astute.
• A collaborative mindset with the ability to influence and support wider business growth.

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive salary and package, commensurate with experience.
• Opportunities for progression within a growing, ambitious contractor.
• Diverse portfolio of UK-wide civil engineering and groundwork projects.
• Supportive, professional team culture with genuine autonomy and influence.
• Company vehicle or car allowance.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company pension scheme.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are committed to diversity and inclusivity in our hiring practices.