Senior Quantity Surveyor

VGC; Oxford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

VGC is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor in Oxfordshire to take responsibility for all commercial and contractual aspects of major civil engineering and construction projects. You will lead cost management, procurement, subcontract administration, forecasting, reporting, and commercial risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

You will play a key role in maximising project profitability, protecting contractual entitlements, managing cash flow, and developing junior commercial staff.

Qualifications

• Degree/HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, rail, highways, utilities, or major project environments.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract and subcontract administration.
• Demonstrable experience managing project costs, procurement, valuations, and final accounts.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.

Responsibilities

• Commercial Management: Manage all commercial and contractual matters on assigned projects.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Management: Lead procurement activities and prepare procurement schedules.
• Subcontract Administration: Measure, value, and certify subcontractor works; manage payments and variations.
• Contract Administration: Review contract conditions, provide contractual advice, maintain records.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Build relationships with clients and stakeholders; manage cash flow and reporting.
• Project Close-Out: Support final accounts and archiving requirements.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Analytical skills

Contract administration knowledge

Cost management

Procurement understanding

Education

Degree/HND in Quantity Surveying or related

Job description

Senior Quantity Surveyor

Location: Oxfordshire

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to take responsibility for all commercial and contractual aspects of major civil engineering and construction projects. Reporting to the Project Manager and commercial leadership team, you will lead cost management, procurement, subcontract administration, forecasting, reporting, and commercial risk management throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will play a key role in maximising project profitability, protecting contractual entitlements, managing cash flow, and supporting the development of junior commercial staff.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Management
  • Manage all commercial and contractual matters on assigned projects.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate cost forecasts, cost-to-complete assessments, and cost/value reconciliations.
  • Produce monthly valuations, commercial reports, and final account forecasts.
  • Monitor project performance, identify risks and opportunities, and implement mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure robust commercial controls are maintained throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Maximise revenue opportunities while minimising waste and commercial exposure.
  • Monitor and recover contractual entitlements, variations, and claims.
• Procurement & Supply Chain Management
  • Lead procurement activities in accordance with company procedures.
  • Prepare procurement schedules alongside project delivery teams.
  • Evaluate subcontract packages, negotiate terms, and place orders in a timely manner.
  • Ensure subcontractor scope, quality, programme, health, safety, and environmental obligations are clearly defined within contractual documentation.
  • Manage supplier and subcontractor relationships to ensure successful project delivery.
• Subcontract Administration
  • Measure, value, and certify subcontractor works.
  • Manage subcontract applications, payments, variations, and final accounts.
  • Ensure contractual notices are issued correctly and within required timescales.
  • Prepare and maintain accurate records of liabilities, accruals, and forecasting information.
  • Ensure subcontract performance is monitored and assessed throughout delivery.
• Contract Administration
  • Review and understand contract conditions and commercial obligations.
  • Provide contractual advice to project teams and management.
  • Ensure all contractual communications and notices are managed effectively.
  • Maintain accurate records to support contractual positions and entitlement recovery.
  • Protect and promote the company's commercial interests at all times.
• Client & Stakeholder Management
  • Build and maintain strong professional relationships with clients, consultants, and stakeholders.
  • Manage valuation and reporting processes with client commercial representatives.
  • Ensure additional works are instructed and appropriately valued before commencement where possible.
  • Provide regular cash flow forecasts and final account updates.
• Project Close-Out
  • Support timely agreement of final accounts.
  • Ensure subcontract and supplier accounts are concluded efficiently.
  • Assist with defect management and commercial close-out activities.
  • Complete project reviews, lessons learned, and archiving requirements in accordance with company procedures.

Qualifications & Experience

• Essential
  • Degree, HND, or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
  • Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role within construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, rail, highways, utilities, or major project environments.
  • Strong understanding of standard forms of contract and subcontract administration.
  • Demonstrable experience managing project costs, procurement, valuations, and final accounts.
  • Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Desirable
  • Membership of or working towards membership with a recognised professional body such as:
    • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
    • Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB)
    • Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
  • Experience on large-scale infrastructure or multidisciplinary construction projects