Senior Quantity Surveyor

1st Select Ltd; Nottingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Nottingham seeks an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to oversee high-value capital projects. You will lead cost management, ensuring public funds are spent efficiently and transparently. Ideal candidates are degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, possess MRICS or equivalent, and have a strong background in public sector procurement and contract management. This full-time role offers opportunities for a seasoned QS to impact fiscally responsible project delivery.

Qualifications

• Solid experience in quantity surveying, cost consultancy, or commercial management.
• Experience within the public sector and understanding of UK public procurement regulations.
• Familiarity with JCT and NEC contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead cost management from inception to final account.
• Prepare and manage budgets and financial reporting.
• Run procurement exercises including tender documentation.

Skills

Cost management

Financial reporting

Contract administration

Strong communication

Negotiation

Excel proficiency

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

MRICS or equivalent

Job description

Senior Quantity Surveyor

This is a senior-level opportunity for a commercially astute Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of high-value capital and maintenance programmes within a local authority environment. You’ll sit at the heart of delivery—controlling cost, managing risk, and ensuring public money is spent properly, transparently, and to best value.

You’ll be trusted to lead, advise, and challenge—bringing structure, discipline, and calm commercial judgement to complex projects.

Responsibilities

• Leading cost management from inception through to final account
• Preparing and managing budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and financial reporting
• Running procurement exercises, including tender documentation, evaluation, and contract award
• Providing clear commercial advice to project managers, engineers, and senior stakeholders
• Administering contracts (JCT and/or NEC) in line with public sector regulations
• Valuing works, certifying payments, and managing final accounts
• Managing variations, change control, and commercial risk
• Producing concise reports for senior management and elected members
• Supporting and mentoring junior surveyors
• Championing value for money and best practice throughout

Qualifications and Experience

• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
• MRICS (or equivalent), or actively working towards chartership
• Solid experience in quantity surveying, cost consultancy, or commercial management
• Strong working knowledge of JCT and/or NEC contracts
• Experience within the public sector, or a clear understanding of UK public procurement regulations
• Confident with financial reporting, cost analysis, and commercial decision-making
• Strong communicator—able to influence, negotiate, and build trust at all levels
• Comfortable using Excel and cost management systems
• Previous local authority or wider public sector experience
• Exposure to sustainability, whole-life costing, or asset management
• Understanding of lifecycle planning and long-term value creation

Personal Qualities

• Commercially sharp, with a firm grip on value for money
• Calm, organised, and detail-driven
• Collaborative by nature, but confident enough to challenge when needed
• Resilient and dependable under pressure
• Professionally minded, with a commitment to continuous improvement

In short: this is a role for a seasoned QS who understands governance, respects public money, and takes pride in delivering projects the right way.

Seniority level: Mid-Senior level

Employment type: Full-time

Industries: Construction, Building Construction, and Real Estate