Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor | Galway

Kirby Group Engineering; Galway; On-site; EUR 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Kirby Group Engineering in Galway is seeking a Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor to own the mechanical commercial function on a high-spec pharma project. You will drive decisions, manage risk and own commercial performance within the project team.

Based in Galway, you will lead BOQ and budget development, report to senior stakeholders, and negotiate with clients and subcontractors to maximise value while maintaining project schedules and quality standards.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Quantity Surveyor on large-scale construction or MEP projects.
• Previous pharma or life sciences project experience is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of contract management, cost control and commercial reporting.
• Experience managing subcontractors and dealing directly with clients.
• Confident handling variations, claims and project change.
• Good understanding of programme and its commercial impact.
• High attention to detail with a focus on speed and accuracy.
• Able to work on your own initiative and prioritise without constant direction.

Responsibilities

• Take full commercial ownership from tender stage through to final account.
• Prepare and develop BOQs, budgets and profit plans.
• Report on project commercial performance to the Project Manager and senior stakeholders.
• Manage subcontractor accounts, interim valuations and final accounts.
• Ensure all payment certificates are processed in line with subcontract terms and retention agreements.
• Lead monthly applications, ensuring accurate inclusion of remeasurements, variations, dayworks and contract claims.
• Identify and manage contract claims, including material and labour escalations.
• Price and agree variations, site changes and dayworks in a live project environment.
• Identify commercial risks early and elevate appropriately to senior management.
• Work closely with the Planning Engineer to ensure programme alignment with cost and progress.
• Maintain accurate, detailed commercial records to support reporting and cost tracking.
• Lead and contribute to commercial meetings with internal teams and the client.
• Negotiate effectively with clients and their representatives.

Skills

Mechanical Surveying

Contract management

Cost control

Commercial reporting

Subcontractor management

Job description

• Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years
• To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects.
• To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards.
• To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability.
• To work with the best.
• Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations

• Permanent position available with a considerable portfolio of works for the next 5+ years
• To build your career by assisting in the delivery of ‘leading edge’ engineering projects.
• To work with a vibrant, agile and multi-functional team in delivering projects on time, safely, to budget and to the required quality standards.
• To benefit from Kirby’s Career Development Programmes that will enhance your leadership capability.
• To work with the best.
• Excellent package on offer with room for negotiations

About Kirby Group Engineering

Kirby Group Engineering is an international multi-disciplinary engineering services contractor and leading provider of high-value engineering services to a number of ‘blue chip’ companies. Operating across Ireland, the UK, Europe and South Africa, Kirby has become the engineering service provider of choice in growth segments such as pharmaceuticals, data centres and power transmission and distribution. Our culture is innovative, collaborative and performance focused. The successful candidate will have the opportunity to grow and develop in a company committed to developing talent and rewarding performance.

Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor – Pharma Project | Galway

If you’re a Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor who likes to be at the centre of a project—driving decisions, managing risk, and owning the commercial performance—this is one that will keep you properly engaged.

We’re delivering a major pharma project in Galway and are looking for someone who can take full ownership from early-stage commercial input right through to final account.

About Kirby Group Engineering

Kirby Group Engineering is a leading engineering services contractor delivering high-value projects across pharma, data centres, industrial and power sectors. We’re known for taking on complex builds and delivering them properly—backed by strong teams and a straightforward, no-nonsense culture. Here, you’re trusted to get on with the job and supported when it matters.

The Role

As Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor, you’ll lead the mechanical commercial function on a high-spec pharma project, ensuring maximum commercial return while managing risk and maintaining strong client and subcontractor relationships.

You’ll be embedded within the project team, working closely with delivery, planning and commercial colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Take full commercial ownership from tender stage through to final account
• Prepare and develop BOQs, budgets and profit plans
• Report on project commercial performance to the Project Manager and senior stakeholders
• Manage subcontractor accounts, interim valuations and final accounts
• Ensure all payment certificates are processed in line with subcontract terms and retention agreements
• Lead monthly applications, ensuring accurate inclusion of remeasurements, variations, dayworks and contract claims
• Identify and manage contract claims, including material and labour escalations
• Price and agree variations, site changes and dayworks in a live project environment
• Identify commercial risks early and elevate appropriately to senior management
• Work closely with the Planning Engineer to ensure programme alignment with cost and progress
• Maintain accurate, detailed commercial records to support reporting and cost tracking
• Lead and contribute to commercial meetings with internal teams and the client
• Negotiate effectively with clients and their representatives

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Mechanical Quantity Surveyor on large-scale construction or MEP projects
• Previous pharma or life sciences project experience is highly advantageous
• Strong understanding of contract management, cost control and commercial reporting
• Experience managing subcontractors and dealing directly with clients
• Confident handling variations, claims and project change
• Good understanding of programme and its commercial impact
• High attention to detail with a focus on speed and accuracy
• Able to work on your own initiative and prioritise without constant direction

What You’ll Notice

• You’ll have real ownership of the mechanical commercial function
• You’ll be working on a technically demanding pharma project with genuine complexity
• You’ll be part of a team that values clarity, accountability and delivery
• You’ll be trusted to make decisions and backed when you do

If you’re at that stage where you want full ownership on a serious project—and the chance to see the results of your decisions—this is a strong move.

For more information on this role, or other Construction / Engineering opportunities across Ireland, the UK, Europe, or South Africa please review our careers page (Vacancies – Kirby Group Careers) or contact the Talent Acquisition Team at Kirby Group in confidence on [phone].

Kirby Group Engineering is an equal opportunities employer. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace and welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates, regardless of race, gender, disability, religion, sexual orientation, or age.