Senior Quantity Surveyor - Rail

OCS Recruitment Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established rail and civils contractor in Greater London seeks an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to oversee commercial responsibilities. You will manage project budgets and ensure financial control across rail and civil engineering projects. The ideal candidate has a degree in Quantity Surveying, strong contract knowledge, and proven experience in this field. This position offers a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for career growth within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Long-term career progression

Supportive team environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor in rail and/or civil engineering projects.
• Strong knowledge of contracts, preferably JCT and NEC.
• Understanding of CDM, risk management, and compliance standards in the rail sector.

Responsibilities

• Manage project budgets, cost plans, and cash flow forecasts.
• Prepare and negotiate interim valuations, variations, and final accounts.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Analytical ability

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management

Job description

I'm currently working with a well-established rail and civils contractor operating across London and the South East, who is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team. This is a pivotal role for a commercially-minded professional with proven rail and civil engineering experience, who thrives on managing project budgets, controlling costs, and delivering value across complex infrastructure projects.

The Role

As Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will take full commercial responsibility for one or more rail or civils projects, working closely with project and site teams to ensure financial control, compliance, and commercial success from inception through to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing project budgets, cost plans, and cash flow forecasts specific to rail and civil engineering projects
• Preparing and negotiating interim valuations, variations, and final accounts
• Procuring and managing subcontract packages in line with rail/civils standards
• Identifying and mitigating commercial risks and opportunities
• Liaising with clients, designers, and supply chain partners on contractual and commercial matters
• Ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations and contract requirements
• Providing accurate cost reporting and commercial advice to senior management
• Supporting and mentoring junior QS team members

About You

• A degree or relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management
• Proven Senior Quantity Surveyor experience in rail and/or civil engineering projects
• Strong knowledge of contracts, preferably JCT and NEC, in rail/civils environments
• Excellent commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and analytical ability
• Confidence to operate autonomously while contributing to a wider commercial team
• Understanding of CDM, risk management, and rail sector compliance standards

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Exposure to high-profile rail and civil engineering projects in London and surrounding regions
• Long-term career progression with a specialist contractor
• A supportive, professional team environment with clear commercial leadership
• The opportunity to take ownership of commercial management and influence project outcomes

If you're a Senior Quantity Surveyor with proven rail and civils experience looking for a long-term, challenging, and rewarding role in London, this opportunity is well worth exploring.