Quantity Surveyor - New Build Luxury Residential

Site Quantity Surveyor (Project QS) Luxury Development – 15 Units Location: Chelmsford Contract: Full-time, Fixed Term (18–24 months) Reporting to: Development Director Project Overview High-quality self-build development of 15 new-build luxury lakehouses (£1.5m+ GDV per unit), constructed in phased, rolling sequence with multiple trade subcontract packages. Developer acting as self-builder. Mixed contract forms to suit package complexity (JCT and simplified trade contracts). Role Summary The Site Quantity Surveyor is the commercial lead for the project, responsible for full-cycle cost management, procurement, and subcontract administration across all trade packages. The role combines strong site presence with office-based commercial control, ensuring delivery within budget, to programme, and to the required quality. Key Responsibilities Commercial & Cost Management Overall responsibility for budget control, cost reporting, and cashflow forecasting Maintain live cost plan, committed cost tracker, and forecast final accounts Identify cost risks, overspends, and value engineering opportunities Weekly budget and package transfer reporting to Development Director and funder Procurement & Tendering Break project into trade packages and prepare tender documentation Produce scopes, BoQs / schedules, tender instructions and programmes Manage tender process, RFIs, addenda and bid returns Tender analysis, comparison, and recommendation reporting Negotiate scope, price, and programme Prepare CSAs and assemble subcontract agreements Let packages on rolling basis aligned with phasing Contract Administration Select appropriate contract form per package (JCT or simplified trade) Issue and manage contractual notices Maintain complete audit trail of contracts, variations, and correspondence Manage extensions of time, claims, and commercial risk Valuations & Payments Monthly site measurement and valuation of completed works Verify subcontractor applications against progress Maintain detailed valuation spreadsheets (claims, adjustments, disputes, recommendation) Issue Payment Notices / Pay Less Notices in line with legislation Coordinate with finance for timely payment Variations & Instructions Capture, log, and price all variations and site instructions Negotiate costs prior to instruction wherever possible Maintain variation logs per package Weekly Early Warnings and instruction status reporting Site Interface Regular site walks to verify progress Attend site and coordination meetings Work closely with Site Managers and Site Coordinator Ensure commercial alignment with programme and sequencing Final Accounts Prepare and agree final accounts for each package Reconcile contract sum, variations, PS adjustments, and deductions Issue Final Payment Certificates Manage retention release Produce overall project final account report Experience & Profile 5+ years’ Quantity Surveying experience Strong residential / housing project background preferred Proven experience managing multiple trade packages Strong knowledge of JCT and subcontract administration Excellent commercial, analytical, and negotiation skills Highly organised, proactive, and comfortable in site-based role Strong communicator with professional approach to dispute resolution