Senior Quantity Surveyor

Job DescriptionOverview

The Senior Quantity Surveyor (Pre-Contracts) is responsible for leading and independently managing pre-contract cost management and commercial activities across multiple projects with minimal supervision. The role requires a proactive, self-motivated professional capable of taking ownership of project deliverables, providing strategic cost advice, and driving commercial outcomes throughout the design and procurement stages. The successful candidate will prepare and review cost plans, estimates, BOQs, tender documentation, value engineering studies, and risk assessments, while maintaining strong client relationships and confidently representing the business in client-facing engagements and commercial discussions.

Your role

• Lead measurement, quantity take-off, cost estimating, and cost planning activities from concept through tender stage.
• Detailed knowledge of RIBA, AIA, AACEi Guidelines applicable to design/construction stages. Scope maturity, risk, contingency.
• Demonstrate strong data analytical ability, including the ability to collate, interrogate and analyse cost information, apply coding and cost breakdown structures consistently, identify anomalies and maintain accurate data within approved templates and systems.
• Conversant with AI
• Good analytical skills to assess yardsticks for different types of assets (Eg- Cost/key)
• Full knowledge / client-facing
• Prepare detailed cost plans, estimates, benchmarking studies, feasibility assessments, and budget reviews.
• Manage the preparation, review, and approval of BOQs, quantity breakdowns, and tender documentation.
• Undertake value engineering reviews and cost optimization exercises to enhance project value and budget efficiency.
• Conduct commercial risk assessments, identify potential cost impacts, and develop mitigation strategies during project development.
• Prepare tender analyses, bid evaluations, recommendation reports, and procurement support documentation.
• Review design developments and assess their cost implications throughout the design process.
• Coordinate with design, planning, technical, and project teams to ensure cost and scope alignment.
• Provide commercial advice to clients and project stakeholders during pre-contract stages.
• Mentor junior QS staff and support their professional development and technical training.

Rewards & benefits

Explore the rewards and benefits that help you thrive at every stage of your life and your career.

This includes:

• Tax-free salary.

• Life insurance coverage.

• Medical insurance.

• Annual leave balance.

• Company gratuity scheme.

• Discretionary bonus program.

• Annual flight contribution.

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.

• Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS).

• 10-15 years of Quantity Surveying experience, with a minimum of 8 years in pre-contract cost consultancy and at least 5 years operating as a Senior Quantity Surveyor within a Tier 1 cost consultancy firm.

• Strong experience in cost planning, estimating, procurement, and tendering across mixed-use, residential, commercial, and large-scale development projects.

• Excellent knowledge of standard methods of measurement including NRM and BOQ production.

• Advanced skills in CostX, estimating software, cost forecasting, and commercial reporting.

• Strong analytical, negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.

• Strong client-facing skills with the ability to effectively present cost advice, lead commercial discussions, and manage stakeholder expectations at all levels.

• Excellent communication, negotiation, and relationship management skills, with experience engaging directly with clients, consultants, and contractors.