Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Estimator

Building Careers UK; Ringway; On-site; GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction contractor in the UK seeks an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor/Senior Estimator for their retail refurbishment division. You will lead commercial functions and manage estimating and post-contract management on various projects. The role offers a competitive salary of £70,000 plus benefits, alongside flexible working arrangements and professional development opportunities. This is an excellent chance to contribute to a collaborative team focused on quality and client satisfaction.

Benefits

Flexible working arrangements

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior QS, Senior Estimator, or similar role in fast-paced environments.
• Strong knowledge of estimating and post-contract management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with tight deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial function on allocated projects.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions.
• Conduct site visits and manage subcontract procurement.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Technical understanding of construction methods

Detail-oriented approach

Education

Relevant degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

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

• 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, please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.

Equal Opportunities

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.