Senior Quantity Surveyor

Senior Quantity Surveyor
Luton, Dunstable
Competitive Salary

Project

A hyperscale data centre campus comprising two large data centre buildings on an 8.7-hectare site on the edge of Dunstable. The scheme includes a dedicated electrical substation compound, standby generator installation, cooling and mechanical plant, a security building and perimeter security systems, internal roads and logistics access, c.100 parking spaces, and landscaping/drainage/biodiversity works. The end user is believed to be AWS (unconfirmed); the applicant/developer is Colliers Properties LLC, with Arup as engineering consultant.

Purpose of the Role

The Senior Quantity Surveyor will lead the commercial management of the data centre campus, taking ownership of cost control, procurement and contractual governance across both buildings and all associated infrastructure packages (substation, standby power, mechanical/cooling plant, security systems, and enabling works). The role carries responsibility for the commercial performance of the project, management of junior commercial staff, and acting as the principal commercial point of contact with the client, engineering consultant (Arup) and supply chain.

Key Responsibilities

Take full commercial ownership of the project cost plan, budget and cash flow forecasting across both data centre buildings and shared infrastructure.
Lead procurement strategy and tendering of major packages, including specialist mission-critical packages such as substation, standby generation, and mechanical/electrical plant.
Negotiate, place and administer subcontracts, ensuring robust terms and effective risk allocation.
Oversee monthly cost reporting, CVR (cost-value reconciliation), and client valuations, presenting to senior stakeholders.
Manage the change control process, including early warning notices, compensation events and variations under the relevant form of contract (e.g. NEC3/4 or JCT).
Lead on final account negotiation and close-out for subcontract packages and the main contract.
Identify, quantify and manage commercial risk and opportunity across the project, escalating as required.
Mentor and manage the Contract Surveyor and Assistant Contracts Surveyor(s), reviewing their output and supporting their development.
Liaise directly with the client's representatives, Arup, and Colliers Properties LLC on commercial matters.
Ensure compliance with company commercial governance, audit and reporting requirements.
Support programme and delivery teams in understanding cost implications of design and construction decisions.

Experience & Technical Knowledge

Significant post-qualification quantity surveying / commercial management experience (typically 8+ years), ideally including large industrial, logistics, or mission-critical/data centre projects.
Proven experience procuring and administering specialist packages (electrical infrastructure, standby generation, mechanical plant, security systems).
Strong working knowledge of NEC3/4 and/or JCT forms of contract.
Track record of managing project budgets in excess of comparable hyperscale-scale construction value.
Experience managing and developing junior commercial staff.
Confident presenting cost reports and commercial positions to senior client and consultant stakeholders.

Qualifications

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related built-environment discipline.
MRICS (or equivalent professional accreditation) preferred; actively working towards Chartered status considered.

Key Attributes

Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills.
Comfortable operating at pace on a fast-moving, high-value programme.
Clear communicator, able to translate commercial detail for technical and non-technical audiences.
Proactive risk management mindset.
Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
To apply, please submit your CV or feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation. Send an email to (url removed), give me a call on (phone number removed) or WhatsApp me on +(phone number removed)