Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimator

Building Careers UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction recruitment agency is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimator in Manchester. The role involves leading commercial functions, preparing estimates, and managing projects in a fast-paced environment. Candidates should have substantial experience in retail fit-out or refurbishment, strong negotiation and communication skills, and relevant qualifications. A competitive salary and flexible working arrangements are offered.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Ability to work on multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Detail-driven approach and ability to work autonomously.

Responsibilities

• Leading the commercial function on allocated projects.
• Preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions.
• Managing subcontract procurement, including tendering and negotiation.
• Conducting site visits and client meetings as required.

Skills

Proven experience as a Senior QS or Senior Estimator

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Strong technical understanding of construction methods

Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel

Education

Relevant degree (Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management)

Job description

Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimator – Retail Refurb & Fit‑Out

Manchester

70,000 + package

Your new company

You will be joining a respected and growing specialist contractor operating across the North West and wider UK. The business delivers high-quality retail, commercial, and leisure refurbishments and fast-paced fit-out projects for a diverse portfolio of national clients. Known for their meticulous approach, strong technical capability, and commitment to delivering projects to exacting standards, they combine design expertise with hands‑on project delivery to create exceptional built environments.

Your new role

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimator to support continued growth within their retail refurbishment and fit-out division. This is a key role within the commercial team, responsible for both pre‑construction estimating and post‑contract commercial management across a range of fast-moving and varied projects.

Responsibilities will include

• Leading the commercial function on allocated projects from tender through to final account.
• Preparing detailed cost estimates, bills of quantities, and tender submissions.
• Working closely with designers, project managers, and supply chain partners to ensure accurate pricing and successful bid delivery.
• Conducting site visits, surveys, and attending client meetings as required.
• Managing subcontract procurement including tendering, negotiation, and appointment.
• Preparing valuations, variations, cost reports, cashflow forecasts, and contractual documentation.
• Ensuring all commercial activities are carried out in line with company procedures and contract requirements.
• Leading value engineering exercises to support project feasibility and margin optimisation.
• Providing expert commercial advice to internal teams and clients throughout the project lifecycle.
• Supporting the development of junior commercial team members where required.

What you will need to succeed

• Proven experience as a Senior QS, Senior Estimator, or dual-role commercial professional within retail fit-out, refurbishment, or similar fast-paced construction environments.
• Strong knowledge of both estimating and post-contract commercial management.
• Ability to work confidently on multiple concurrent projects with tight deadlines.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong technical understanding of construction methods and fit-out processes.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• A proactive, detail-driven approach and the ability to work autonomously.
• Relevant degree (Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or similar) or equivalent experience.

What you get in return

You'll join a forward-thinking contractor with a friendly, collaborative culture and a strong pipeline of repeat business. Alongside a competitive salary of 70,000 + package, you'll benefit from flexible working arrangements, ongoing professional development, and the opportunity to play a key role in shaping the commercial function as the business continues to expand. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys responsibility, variety, and working within a supportive team that values quality, innovation, and long-term client relationships.

Apply: If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.

Building Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.

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