Senior Quantity Surveyor

KPI Recruiting; Guildford; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

KPI Recruiting is seeking a hardworking Quantity Surveyor for fast-track fit-out projects across retail, leisure and hospitality sectors. You will own multiple live schemes, protect margins and manage procurement from pre-start through final account, thriving in a high-pace environment.

The role requires strong Excel skills, sound commercial awareness and the ability to negotiate subcontractor rates. A full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between sites in the South East are

Qualifications

• Strong commercial awareness of construction costs, procurement and subcontractor management.
• Ability to manage multiple fast-track fit-out projects simultaneously.
• Excellent Excel skills and experience producing commercial reports and cost forecasts.
• Experience negotiating subcontractor and supplier packages.

Responsibilities

• Manage approximately four live fast-track fit-out projects at any one time, each with varying values and commercial requirements.
• Maintain strong control of construction costs, procurement schedules and subcontractor management.
• Undertake detailed trade breakdowns and package analysis (training provided).
• Lead change and variation management from pre-start to final account.
• Identify and mitigate commercial leakage to protect project profitability.
• Procure subcontractors and materials efficiently, often with short lead times.
• Produce accurate cost forecasts, commercial reports and maintain project accounts.
• Negotiate subcontractor and supplier rates, terms and variations.
• Collaborate with Directors, Contracts Managers and Site Teams to ensure aligned commercial delivery.
• Travel between projects as required, with occasional overnight stays.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Multi-project management

Excel literacy

Negotiation

Communication

Driving licence

Tools

Excel

Job description

Quantity Surveyor - Fast-track Fit Out (Retail, Leisure & Hospitality)

Location: South East Project Values: Up to £10m Environment: High-pace Contractor - Retail, Leisure & Hospitality Fit Out

Role Overview

We are seeking a hardworking, commercially driven Quantity Surveyor to join our fast-track fit-out team delivering retail, leisure and hospitality projects typically valued up to £10m. This role requires a practical, hands-on QS who takes full ownership of their projects, thrives in a high-pressure environment, and is confident managing multiple live schemes simultaneously. You will play a key role in protecting project margins, managing procurement, controlling costs, and ensuring all commercial elements are captured from pre-start through to final account.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage approximately four live fast-track fit-out projects at any one time, each with varying values and commercial requirements.
• Maintain strong control of construction costs, procurement schedules and subcontractor management.
• Undertake detailed trade breakdowns and package analysis (training provided on our preferred format).
• Lead change and variation management, tracking all movements from pre-start through to completion and final account.
• Identify, prevent and mitigate commercial leakage, ensuring project profitability is protected at all stages.
• Procure subcontractors and materials efficiently, often with short lead times and rapid mobilisation requirements.
• Work confidently on fast-paced projects with weekly turnover of approximately £75k.
• Produce accurate cost forecasts, commercial reports and maintain up-to-date project accounts.
• Negotiate subcontractor and supplier rates, terms and variations.
• Manage projects through to final account, ensuring all costs, changes and variations are fully captured and agreed.
• Collaborate closely with Directors, Contracts Managers, Project Managers and Site Teams to ensure aligned commercial delivery.
• Prioritise workload effectively, make quick commercial decisions and maintain control under pressure.
• Travel between projects as required, with occasional overnight stays depending on project demands.

Skills & Experience Required

• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction costs, procurement and subcontractor management.
• Proven ability to manage multiple fast-track fit-out projects simultaneously.
• Excellent Excel skills and confidence producing commercial reports and cost forecasts.
• Experience negotiating subcontractor and supplier packages.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work collaboratively across all levels of the business.
• Practical, hands-on approach with willingness to get into the detail rather than operate purely from an office.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel.
• Reliable, proactive and detail-focused with strong ownership of project outcomes.

What We're Looking For

Above all, we want someone who takes ownership, is commercially switched on, and is prepared to get fully involved in the detail. This role suits a QS who enjoys fast-paced environments, thrives under pressure, and is motivated by delivering profitable, well-controlled projects from start to finish