Senior Quantity Surveyor

AUSTIN MATLEY; Woking; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor responsible for managing project financials, contractual obligations, and customer accounts. This role includes day-to-day commercial management, preparing valuations, managing customer accounts, and reviewing contracts. Ideal candidates should have a degree in Quantity Surveying, relevant experience, and strong organizational and communication skills. The position emphasizes proactive risk mitigation and ensuring project financial performance.

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in a similar surveying/commercial role.
• Strong attention to detail and methodical working style.
• Customer-focused and proactive.

Responsibilities

• Lead day-to-day commercial management of projects.
• Prepare accurate valuations and submit payment applications.
• Manage and maintain customer accounts.
• Review subcontract agreements and mitigate risks.
• Monitor site progress and identify delays.
• Create and manage subcontract orders.

Skills

Highly organised

Strong commercial awareness

Effective communicator

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent)

Job description

Role Overview

The Senior Quantity Surveyor ensures the efficient, accurate, and commercially sound management of all project financials, contractual obligations, and customer accounts. The role supports the wider Projects Team by proactively mitigating risk, maximising margin, and ensuring the smooth commercial running of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Contractual Management

• Lead the day‑to‑day commercial management of projects to ensure accuracy, compliance, and strong financial performance.
• Prepare accurate valuations and submit timely applications for payment in line with contract requirements.
• Manage and maintain customer accounts, ensuring claims are fully substantiated and issues are resolved proactively to avoid disputes.
• Review subcontract agreements on project handover to identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
• Handle, value, negotiate, and agree variations, ensuring profitable margins and capture of added value.
• Manage final accounts and negotiate settlements.
• Monitor Certificates against submitted applications and challenge discrepancies where required.
• Identify client‑led delays and submit contractual claims as appropriate.

Project Support & Reporting

• Maintain and update Epicor project dashboards and reporting systems.
• Monitor the projects order book daily and provide weekly updates to the Projects Director.
• Support the smooth running of weekly project meetings through accurate reporting and preparation.
• Compile costs to completion and analyse cost performance when required.
• Monitor site progress to identify delays outside company control and seek entitlement for off‑site material storage or related costs.

Stakeholder & Subcontractor Management

• Create subcontract orders and manage subcontractor accounts, including valuations and payment certificates.
• Source, assess, onboard, and manage high‑quality subcontract labour during peak demand (assisted by Group Lead Quantity Surveyor).
• Assist contract managers with site‑related issues including access, plant, and contractor queries.
• Work with Finance on credit control matters relating to problematic accounts.
• Support sales / tendering activities including pre‑start meetings and contractual reviews.
• Draft and support formal responses to contractor correspondence.
• Represent and defend the company’s position professionally during disputes or dissatisfaction.

Performance Objectives

• Deliver proactive, high‑quality customer account management to support strong client satisfaction.
• Ensure contracts are based on realistic timescales and robust commercial conditions that support the delivery of OTAR (On‑Time, As‑Required).
• Consistently secure and evidence added value through variations and commercial negotiation to achieve or exceed target margins.

Additional Responsibilities

• Ensure claims for payment are issued accurately and on time, removing opportunities for delayed or reduced payments.
• Maintain an up‑to‑date and accurate projects order book.
• Escalate HR, legal, H&S, or compliance issues in line with the Authority Matrix.
• Operate within the parameters of the Authority Matrix at all times.
• Protect the commercial interests of the business across all activities.
• Support pre‑qualification questionnaire (PQQ) requirements as needed.

Required Skills & Attributes

• Highly organised, disciplined, and driven
• Strong commercial awareness
• Effective communicator, customer‑focused, and proactive
• Strong attention to detail and methodical working style

Behavioural Expectations

• Demonstrates forward planning, accuracy, diligence, and strong attention to detail
• Acts as a brand ambassador and upholds ethical standards
• Provides excellent customer care with empathy and professionalism
• Shows leadership through motivation, team support, and clear communication
• Maintains fairness, consistency, and commercial robustness
• Reviews financial and project reports regularly and responds proactively
• Upholds legal, compliance, and H&S requirements at all times
• Solutions‑minded, open, honest, and committed to root‑cause problem‑solving
• Invests in continuous personal and professional development

Education & Experience

• Degree in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent)
• Demonstrable experience in a similar surveying / commercial role

Certifications & Licences

• CSCS Card
• Full UK Driving Licence