Senior Mechanical QS - Galway

Real; Connacht; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Real in Galway seeks a Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor to lead the mechanical commercial function on a flagship pharmaceutical project. You will own the commercial lifecycle from tender through final account, managing risk and maximising value with clients, subcontractors and internal teams.

Working closely with project management, planning and engineering, you will produce BOQs, budgets and forecasts, monitor performance, and lead monthly payment applications while maintaining robust cost

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Quantity Surveyor on large-scale construction projects.
• Experience delivering pharmaceutical or life sciences projects is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of contract administration, cost management, reporting and project controls.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.

Responsibilities

• Take full commercial ownership of the mechanical package from tender through final account.
• Prepare and develop BOQs, budgets, cost plans and profit forecasts.
• Monitor and report on commercial performance to the Project Manager and leadership.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, accounts, valuations and final accounts.
• Identify, prepare, manage and negotiate claims including labour/material escalation where applicable.
• Price, negotiate and agree variations and project changes in a live construction environment.
• Lead commercial meetings with clients, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.

Skills

Mechanical QS

Commercial management

Subcontractor management

Cost control

Variations & claims

Contract administration

Job description

Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor | Pharma Project | Galway

If you're a Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor who thrives on taking ownership, influencing key project decisions, and driving commercial success, this could be the opportunity you've been looking for.

We're delivering a major pharmaceutical project in Galway and are seeking an experienced professional to lead the mechanical commercial function from early-stage project involvement through to final account. This is a role for someone who enjoys being close to the action, managing risk, maximising project value, and working collaboratively with project stakeholders to deliver outstanding results.

As Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor, you will take responsibility for the commercial management of a major pharmaceutical project, ensuring the project delivers maximum commercial return while effectively managing risk and maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal delivery teams.

Working closely with project management, planning, engineering, and commercial colleagues, you will manage the full commercial lifecycle of the project while supporting successful delivery on site.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full commercial ownership of the mechanical package from tender stage through to final account.
• Prepare and develop Bills of Quantities (BOQs), project budgets, cost plans, and profit forecasts.
• Monitor and report on commercial performance, providing regular updates to the Project Manager and senior leadership team.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, accounts, valuations, and final account agreements.
• Ensure payment certificates are processed in line with subcontract agreements and retention provisions.
• Lead the preparation and submission of monthly applications for payment.
• Accurately capture and assess remeasurements, variations, dayworks, and contract claims.
• Identify, prepare, manage, and negotiate claims, including labour and material escalation claims where applicable.
• Price, negotiate, and agree variations, compensation events, and project changes in a live construction environment.
• Proactively identify commercial risks and opportunities, escalating issues to senior management where necessary.
• Work closely with the Planning Engineer to ensure programme performance is reflected accurately within commercial reporting and forecasting.
• Maintain accurate commercial records and ensure robust cost control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Lead commercial meetings with clients, subcontractors, and internal project stakeholders.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with client representatives to achieve successful commercial outcomes.
• Support continuous improvement initiatives across the commercial function.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Quantity Surveyor on large-scale construction, MEP, or engineering projects.
• Previous experience delivering pharmaceutical or life sciences projects is highly desirable.
• Strong understanding of contract administration, cost management, commercial reporting, and project controls.
• Demonstrated experience managing subcontractor packages and client‑facing commercial responsibilities.
• Strong knowledge of variations, change management, claims preparation, and commercial negotiations.
• Good understanding of project programmes and the commercial impact of project performance.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to work accurately in a fast-paced project environment.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage competing priorities effectively.

What's on Offer

• Full ownership of the mechanical commercial function on a flagship pharmaceutical project.
• The opportunity to work on a technically challenging build with genuine scale and complexity.
• A collaborative team environment that values accountability, quality, and delivery.
• The autonomy to make decisions and influence project outcomes.
• Long-term career development opportunities on high-profile projects.
• A supportive culture where expertise, initiative, and results are recognised.