Senior Quantity Surveyor

Elk Recruitment; North East; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Elk Recruitment is seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to oversee cost estimation, procurement, and budget control for construction projects. The role demands strong negotiation skills and deep knowledge of construction contracts to ensure projects stay within budget and on schedule.

You will work closely with clients, contractors and stakeholders, lead a small team, and drive financial reporting and risk management across the project lifecycle.

Qualifications

• Minimum 8+ years in a senior commercial role in roofing, cladding, or construction contracting environments.
• Qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field is essential.
• Strong track record in contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and commercial risk management.
• Deep knowledge of construction contracts and financial reporting processes.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage detailed cost estimates and budgets for construction projects.
• Conduct regular cost analysis and forecasting to ensure financial viability.
• Manage procurement, tendering, and contract negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Monitor costs and provide timely financial reports to project managers and stakeholders.
• Identify contractual risks, variations and claims to minimize financial exposure.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to meet budget constraints.
• Lead and mentor junior surveyors and team members for project success.

Skills

Negotiation

Cost estimation

Budget control

Financial reporting

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Quantity Surveying or related degree

Tools

Microsoft 365

Commercial management tools

Job description

Role:Senior Quantity Surveyor Location:Cambois, Northumberland Job Type : Permanent - Full time Salary:Negotiable depending on experience

At Elk Recruitment, we are looking for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor. As a key member of our project management office, the Senior Quantity Surveyor will be responsible for overseeing cost estimation, procurement, and budget control to ensure projects are completed within budget and on time. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of construction practices, strong negotiation skills, and the ability to work collaboratively with clients, contractors, and stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes. This position requires a proactive and detail-oriented individual who can identify financial risks, develop cost-control strategies, and provide accurate financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle. If you have a proven track record in quantity surveying, excellent communication capabilities, and a passion for driving successful construction projects, we invite you to join our team and contribute to our continued growth and excellence in the industry.

Key Responsibilities:

• Prepare and manage detailed cost estimates and budgets for construction projects.
• Conduct regular cost analysis and forecasting to ensure projects remain financially viable.
• Manage procurement processes, including tendering and contract negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors.
• Monitor project progress and costs, providing timely financial reports to project managers and stakeholders.
• Identify and manage contractual risks, variations, and claims to minimize financial exposure.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and clients to ensure project specifications are met within budget constraints.
• Lead and mentor junior quantity surveyors and other team members to support professional development and project success.

Requirements:

• Minimum 8+ years of experience in a senior commercial role, ideally within roofing, cladding, or construction contracting environments.
• A qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field is essential.
• Strong track record of contract negotiation, dispute resolution, and commercial risk management.
• Deep knowledge of construction contract law, including RIAI, Public Works, and bespoke client contracts.
• Outstanding financial acumen and analytical skills, with a commercial instinct for identifying and exploiting margin opportunities.
• Assertive communicator and natural relationship manager—capable of building trust while holding external stakeholders to account.
• Hands‑on leader who can set the standard, inspire performance, and thrive under pressure.
• Confidence to take ownership of issues and see them through to resolution without hand‑holding.
• Comfortable operating in a non-bureaucratic, high-performance culture where outcomes matter more than process.
• Proficient in Microsoft 365 and commercial management tools.
• Full clean driver’s license required.

What’s next:

• If this role isn’t the perfect match but you're interested in similar opportunities, feel free to get in touch.