Senior Quantity Surveyor

M&E QUANTITY SURVEYOR

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our commercial team at a growing M&E design and build contractor. You will take responsibility for the full commercial management of mechanical and electrical packages across a portfolio of live projects, from pre-contract through to final account.

You will work closely with project managers, design teams, engineers and supply chain partners, and will be expected to protect our commercial position while maintaining strong relationships with main contractors and clients.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Contract

Prepare and review tender estimates, bills of quantities and cost plans for mechanical, electrical and public health packages, working from drawings, specifications and design information.

Issue enquiries to the supply chain and subcontractors, then analyse, compare and negotiate quotations to secure competitive and compliant pricing.

Review tender documents and contract conditions, identifying commercial risks, qualifications and exclusions before submission.

Support the bid team with value engineering proposals and design development to improve price and programme.

Contract Administration

Review and negotiate subcontract and supply agreements, ensuring terms are consistent with the main contract and protect the company's position.

Administer contracts in line with JCT, NEC or bespoke forms, including notices, instructions, extensions of time and payment mechanisms.

Identify and report commercial and contractual risks early, and agree mitigation plans with the project team and senior management.

Cost Management and Reporting

Prepare monthly cost value reconciliations (CVRs), forecasts and cash flow projections, and present them accurately to the commercial director.

Control project costs against budget, tracking committed costs, accruals, retentions and anticipated final costs.

Prepare interim valuations and payment applications, and assess and certify subcontractor valuations in line with contract terms.

Monitor and report on margin, working to maximise recovery and minimise cost leakage.

Variations, Claims and Final Accounts

Identify, price and submit variations and change orders promptly, ensuring all entitlements are recovered.

Prepare and negotiate claims for loss and expense, prolongation and disruption, supported by robust records and evidence.

Agree final accounts with clients and subcontractors, closing out projects on time and without outstanding commercial disputes.

Supply Chain and Procurement

Build and maintain relationships with key suppliers, specialist subcontractors and manufacturers.

Manage procurement programmes, working with project teams to place orders in line with long lead-time requirements.

Monitor subcontractor performance, financial standing and compliance, and resolve commercial disputes constructively.

Leadership and Development

Supervise and mentor assistant and trainee quantity surveyors, reviewing their work and supporting their professional development.

Contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial processes, templates and best practice.

Essential Experience and Skills

Significant experience as a quantity surveyor within mechanical and electrical contracting, with a track record on design and build projects.

Proven experience managing M&E packages from tender through to final account on projects of a substantial value.

Strong knowledge of M&E systems, including HVAC, ventilation, public health, small power, lighting, fire detection and containment.

A thorough understanding of JCT, NEC and subcontract forms, including payment, variations and claims procedures.

Proficiency in estimating and cost management software, plus advanced Excel skills.

Strong negotiation skills, with the confidence to deal with main contractors, clients and the supply chain at all levels.

Excellent analytical, numerical and report-writing skills, with great attention to detail.

Excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with project, design and engineering teams.

Desirable

A degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.

Membership of, or progression towards, MRICS or MCIOB.

Experience working on sectors such as commercial, residential, healthcare, education, data centres or leisure.

Knowledge of BIM and digital measurement tools.

Experience of design development and coordination within a design and build environment.

Personal Qualities

Commercially astute, with a proactive approach to protecting margin and identifying opportunities.

Organised and self-motivated, able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Credible, collaborative and confident in challenging when required.

Professional and resilient, with a strong sense of ownership and integrity