Senior Quantity Surveyor

Story Decorating Group Ltd; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and comprehensive +

Prestigious projects

Professional development

Collaborative leadership

Long-term career prospects

Job summary

Story Decorating Group in Manchester is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead the commercial management of painting and decorating projects. You will report to the Commercial Director and help maximise profitability while ensuring contractual compliance from award through final account.

This senior role collaborates with operations, clients and subcontractors, driving cost control, risk management, and robust financial reporting across multiple projects.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline.
• Significant experience in a Quantity Surveying role within the construction sector.
• Strong understanding of cost control, contract administration and commercial processes.
• Experience preparing valuations, variations, and final accounts.

Responsibilities

• Attend estimating handover meetings and communicate commercial information effectively.
• Review, interpret, and manage contract documentation and commercial obligations.
• Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, and commercial targets.
• Monitor project costs and performance to ensure contracts are delivered profitably.
• Prepare, submit, and negotiate interim valuations, applications for payment, and final accounts.
• Price, manage, and negotiate contract variations and additional works.
• Ensure variation instructions are received and recorded appropriately.
• Undertake site visits to monitor progress and capture commercially relevant changes.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities and implement mitigation strategies.
• Respond to pay less notices and challenge payment reductions where necessary.
• Procure and manage subcontractor packages where required.
• Attend regular commercial review and project meetings.
• Maintain strong client relationships, supporting repeat business opportunities.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure timely certification and payment of accounts.
• Keep the Commercial Director informed of project performance, risks, and cash flow.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Negotiation

Communication

Relationship-building

Multitasking

Leadership

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

Commercial management software

Job description

At Story Decorating Group, we do more than paint and decorate - we bring buildings to life. With over 50 years of experience, we are one of the UK's leading painting and decorating contractors, delivering exceptional finishes across some of the nation's most prestigious construction projects. From luxury hotels and landmark heritage restorations to modern healthcare facilities, residential developments, and major sporting venues, our expertise can be found in projects that shape communities across the UK. Our success is built on quality, craftsmanship, and strong relationships. We take pride in delivering outstanding results while creating an environment where our people can develop, thrive, and build rewarding careers.

Our Culture

At Story Decorating Group, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We have built our reputation through teamwork, trust, and a shared commitment to excellence. We foster a collaborative and supportive environment where ideas are welcomed, achievements are recognised, and employees are encouraged to develop their skills and progress their careers. We believe in empowering our people, promoting continuous improvement, and creating opportunities for everyone to make a meaningful contribution to the business. As a family-oriented company with strong values, we are committed to maintaining the integrity, professionalism, and customer-focused approach that has been central to our success for generations. When you join Story Decorating Group, you become part of a team that takes pride in delivering quality, supporting one another, and achieving success together.

About the Role

Story Decorating Group is looking for an experienced and commercially astute Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our growing team in Manchester. This is a senior position with significant responsibility and visibility across the business. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will lead the commercial management of painting and decorating projects, ensuring robust financial control, contractual compliance, and successful project delivery from award through to final account. You will work closely with operational teams, clients, subcontractors, and senior management, helping to maximise profitability, strengthen customer relationships, and drive business growth.

Responsibilities

• Attend estimating handover meetings for newly secured projects and ensure all commercial information is effectively communicated.
• Review, interpret, and manage contract documentation and commercial obligations.
• Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, and commercial targets.
• Monitor project costs and performance to ensure contracts are delivered profitably.
• Prepare, submit, and negotiate interim valuations, applications for payment, and final accounts.
• Price, manage, and negotiate contract variations and additional works.
• Ensure all variation instructions are received and recorded appropriately.
• Undertake site visits to monitor progress and capture all commercially relevant changes.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Respond to pay less notices and challenge payment reductions where necessary.
• Procure and manage subcontractor packages where required.
• Attend regular commercial review and project meetings.
• Maintain strong client relationships, supporting repeat business opportunities.
• Work closely with the finance team to ensure timely certification and payment of accounts.
• Keep the Commercial Director informed of project performance, risks, opportunities, and cash flow.
• Support the continued growth and development of Story Decorating Group.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related construction discipline. Applications without a relevant degree will not be considered.
• Significant experience in a Quantity Surveying role within the construction sector.
• Strong understanding of commercial management, cost control, and contract administration.
• Experience preparing and negotiating valuations, variations, and final accounts.
• Excellent knowledge of construction contracts and commercial processes.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
• Proficiency in commercial and financial management systems.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Full UK driving licence.

Required Skills

• Experience within painting and decorating, fit-out, finishing trades, or specialist subcontracting.
• Membership of, or working towards membership of, RICS, CIOB, or an equivalent professional body.
• Knowledge of JCT and other standard forms of contract.

Pay range and compensation package

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to work on some of the UK's most prestigious construction projects.
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities.
• Support from an experienced and collaborative leadership team.
• Long-term career prospects within a successful and growing business.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Join a well-established business with over 50 years of industry success. Work on some of the UK's most prestigious construction projects. Play a key role in the future growth of the business. Be part of a supportive, collaborative, and experienced team. Opportunities for professional development and career progression. Contribute to projects that leave a lasting impact across the UK.