Senior Quantity Surveyor – Highways Projects Lead

VolkerWessels UK Ltd; Luton; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Birthday leave

Private medical care

Pension

Life Assurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Training & development

Job summary

VolkerHighways in Luton is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial activity on complex projects, ensuring accurate cost forecasting, valuing variations, and maintaining strong client relationships with the council and supply chain.

You will manage procurement, subcontract documentation, and payments, while safeguarding commercial interests and driving value for the VolkerWessels UK group.

Qualifications

• Accredited qualification with RICS, CIOB or ICES, or relevant degree/HND.
• Proven experience as a QS/Senior QS within highways or civil engineering.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts and term maintenance arrangements.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to analyse costs, manage risks, and maximise value.
• Experience in subcontract management and procurement.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and support a collaborative team culture.
• Proficiency in Causeway and Microsoft Office systems.
• A proactive, professional, and solutions‑focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activity on allocated projects, ensuring accurate forecasting, cost/value reporting, and cashflow management.
• Maintain robust records of site activities, variations, valuations, risk, and opportunities.
• Prepare monthly CVRs, forecasts, accruals, liabilities, and revenue reports.
• Ensure subcontract payments and main contract payments are processed accurately and on time.
• Protect VolkerHighways' commercial interests through proactive contract administration.
• Manage procurement activities, including developing procurement schedules with the Project Manager.
• Prepare high‑quality subcontract documentation with clear scopes, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Oversee accurate measurement of works, manage subcontract instructions, variations, contra‑charges, and account settlements.
• Ensure compliance with commercial policy and all contractual notice requirements.
• Maintain professional, productive relationships with clients, designers, and consultants.
• Issue and manage client instructions, reporting formats, valuations, and forecast updates.
• Ensure excellent client service, clear communication, and proper authorisation before additional works commence.

Skills

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Cost analysis

Risk management

Subcontract management

Procurement

Causeway

Microsoft Office

Problem solving

Education

RICS/CIOB/ICES accreditation

Degree in relevant field

Tools

Causeway

Microsoft Office

Job description

VolkerHighways in Luton is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead commercial activity on complex projects, ensuring accurate cost forecasting, valuing variations, and maintaining strong client relationships with the council and supply chain.

You will manage procurement, subcontract documentation, and payments, while safeguarding commercial interests and driving value for the VolkerWessels UK group.