Senior Estimating Quantity Surveyor – Defence & MOD Projects
Location: Southwest
Salary: Competitive
Security Clearance: SC Clearance eligible (existing SC preferred)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimating Quantity Surveyor to join our growing Defence Infrastructure team. This role will play a key part in the successful pricing, tendering and commercial development of high-value projects across the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and wider secure government estate.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in estimating and quantity surveying, with experience delivering complex construction, infrastructure, refurbishment or secure facility projects within the defence sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost plans, estimates, and tender submissions for defence and secure infrastructure projects.
- Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, and tender documentation.
- Undertake quantity take-offs and cost analysis.
- Obtain, analyse and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Identify commercial risks, opportunities, and value engineering proposals.
- Support bid strategy development and tender presentations.
- Produce accurate pricing models and budget forecasts.
- Liaise with project managers, design teams, clients, and supply chain partners.
- Ensure compliance with MOD, DIO and government procurement requirements.
- Support contract negotiations and pre-contract commercial activities.
- Maintain estimating databases and benchmark cost information.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and commercial controls.
Essential Requirements
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management or similar.
- Proven experience as an Estimating Quantity Surveyor, Estimator or Senior QS.
- Demonstrable experience working on:
- MOD projects
- DIO frameworks
- Secure government facilities
- Defence infrastructure programmes
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies and project delivery.
- Experience preparing competitive tenders from £1m to £250m+.
- Excellent commercial awareness and cost management skills.
- Advanced Excel and estimating software capability.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- Existing SC Clearance.
- NEC3 or NEC4 contract experience.
- RICS membership (MRICS) or working towards chartership.
- Experience across:
- Military bases
- Barracks
- Airfields
- Naval facilities
- Critical national infrastructure
- Secure refurbishment programmes
Key Competencies
- Commercial acumen
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Risk management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Negotiation skills
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
Ideal Candidate Profile
8–15 years' experience in Quantity Surveying and Estimating, with a proven track record delivering MOD, DIO or defence-related projects.