Senior Quantity Surveyor

Job title: Senior Quantity Surveyor (Freelance)

Location: Poole, Dorset

Expected Start Date: ASAP

Duration: 3 Years

Contract Type:  Available on a 3 years fixed-term contract or Day Rate (outside IR35)

About the Project

We are commencing a major £35m commercial-to-residential redevelopment project in Poole, scheduled to begin in March 2026 and run for approximately 3 years. This is a high-profile conversion scheme with complex phasing, stakeholder coordination, and significant procurement and cost-management responsibilities.

To support the Senior Project QS, we are seeking an experienced, locally-based Quantity Surveyor to act as the daily commercial lead on site and client facing.

Role Overview

The Quantity Surveyor will manage day-to-day commercial activity, ensuring accurate cost control, robust documentation, and smooth communication with the Senior Project QS and the wider project team. You'll be the commercial presence on site each day, responsible for gathering data, validating valuations, monitoring progress, and supporting procurement and contract administration.

Key Responsibilities

Act as the primary on-site commercial representative, feeding all reports, measurements, and updates into the Senior Project QS.
Prepare cost reports, weekly variation logs and commercial updates.
Undertake on-site measurement, valuation of works, and verification of subcontractor progress.
Manage subcontract packages and variation accounts.
Monitoring and reconciling materials on site.
Support change management, ensuring variations are captured, evidenced, and submitted promptly.
Monitor risk and opportunity, reporting regularly to the Senior QS and Project Director.
Collaborate with site management to track progress, resolve discrepancies, and maintain accurate commercial records.
Contribute to final accounts, ensuring documentation is complete and compliant.
Ensure all cost-related activity aligns with project budget, programme, and client expectations.

Requirements

Minimum 5+ years' experience as a Quantity Surveyor in construction.
Experience on large-scale commercial or residential projects (≥ £10m; ideally £25m+).
Strong knowledge of procurement, measurement, cost control, and contract administration.
Familiarity with D&B JCT contracts.
Accreditation with RICS or equal
Confident working independently and reporting remotely to a lead QS.
High accuracy, strong organisational skills, proactive problem-solving.
Excellent communication and stakeholder collaboration.
Must be based locally to Poole or within a practical commuting distance.
Must be willing to work full-time on site.
For further information, please call Rhian Newman of Thorn Baker on (phone number removed)

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