Senior Quantity Surveyor

Senior Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Lead Sector: Main Contractor – Healthcare, Education, Defence (Design & Build / Full Turnkey) Location: London (projects across Greater London) Start: January (interviewing now) Contract: Permanent, full-time Salary: Competitive + car/allowance + bonus + benefits (DOE) Why this role exists We’re scaling a London portfolio delivering complex, full-turnkey projects that change lives—hospitals, schools and secure estates. Our work has massive social impact and we’re committed to outstanding client satisfaction and practical, affordable solutions with a lower carbon footprint on every scheme. Our impact & culture Here, Directors walk the walk. They’re visible on projects, available to teams, and they hold work–life balance as a core business objective—not a slogan. Expect trust, flexibility, and delivery standards that match our values in the communities we serve. The opportunity As Senior QS / Commercial Lead you’ll own commercial performance across one or more live projects, lead a small team of QS/ACost professionals, and be the upbeat, hands-on presence that keeps cost, programme and quality in sync. You’ll be client-facing, decisive, and comfortable moving from boardroom to site cabin in the same afternoon. What you’ll do * Lead the commercial function on allocated projects (pre- and post-contract). * Build robust cost plans, budgets and cashflows; own CVRs and monthly reporting. * Procure and manage packages: tendering, analysis, negotiation, let and administration. * Drive change control, early warnings and compensation events (NEC) / variations (JCT). * Guide subcontractor relationships: payments, valuations, final accounts, disputes avoidance. * Lead value engineering and carbon-aware, affordable alternatives without compromising outcomes. * Chair/attend progress meetings; produce clear, timely commercial intelligence for senior leadership and clients. * Line-manage and mentor QS/Assistant QS team members; set standards, review work, grow capability. * Protect margin through risk identification, mitigation and opportunity capture. * Ensure compliance with contract, governance, H&S and quality systems. What you’ll bring * Proven experience as Senior QS or Commercial Lead with a main contractor. * Demonstrable track record leading a team (coaching, reviews, developing others). * Confident across both NEC and JCT forms, design & build routes and turnkey delivery. * Hands-on mindset: happy on site, sleeves rolled up, proactive and solutions-focused. * Strong commercial acumen: CVR ownership, forecasting accuracy, claims/change control. * Client-facing credibility with clear, upbeat communication and calm under pressure. * Sector know-how in Healthcare, Education and/or Defence preferred. * RICS (MRICS/AssocRICS) or equivalent experience desired. * SC/CTC clearance or eligibility advantageous for Defence work. * Right to work in the UK and ability to travel across London projects. What’s on offer * Impactful schemes with real social value across London. * Leaders who model balance and protect team wellbeing while driving high performance. * Competitive package (salary, car/allowance, bonus, pension, healthcare, paid professional fees). * Ongoing CPD and support towards chartership (if applicable). * A culture that values customer satisfaction, affordability, and lower-carbon choices on every job. How to apply Send your CV (and a brief note on a team you’ve led and your proudest commercial win) with subject line “Senior QS / Commercial Lead – London (Jan Start)”. Shortlisting is active now; interviews scheduled promptly