Managing Quantity Surveyor - Civil Engineering

Managing Quantity Surveyor (MQS) Location: Kings Langley Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Salary & Benefits: Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum Car Options: Fully expensed company vehicle (available for personal use), or £7,500 annual car allowance (£625/month) Pension: 5% employee contribution (minimum) and 5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice scheme Private Healthcare: Available after 6 months (includes diagnostics, scans, dental, optical, and therapy treatments) Bonus: Annual profit-related bonus (subject to company performance) Life Insurance: 3x salary (after successful completion of probation period) Gym Membership: Discounted access to gyms, pools, and spas via a fitness partner Role Overview The Managing Quantity Surveyor is responsible for the commercial and contractual management of customer projects, ensuring strong financial control, contract compliance, accurate forecasting, and effective risk management across UK operations. The role works closely with Project Managers to support delivery, maximise value, manage contract changes, protect the company’s commercial position, and ensure accurate reporting. The MQS acts as a subject matter expert in JCT and NEC3/4 contracts, promoting best-practice commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle. Reports to: Operations Manager Direct Reports: None Key Relationships Project Managers Engineers & Technical Teams Finance Manager Sales / Commercial Teams Senior Leadership Clients & Principal Contractors Key Responsibilities 1. Contract & Commercial Management Lead commercial administration across projects under NEC3/4, JCT, and bespoke contracts Ensure all contractual obligations, notices, and communications are issued correctly and on time Advise Project Managers on contractual rights, risks, programme impacts, and entitlements Manage extensions of time, compensation events, variations, and disputes 2. Financial Management & Cost Control Prepare and manage cost plans, CVRs, and cashflow forecasts Review subcontractor costs, labour, plant, and resource allocation Ensure accurate valuations and strong cash recovery Identify commercial risks and opportunities early 3. Client & Stakeholder Management Act as the lead commercial contact for clients and contractors Attend meetings, reviews, and negotiations Support relationship building to improve project outcomes and minimise disputes 4. Change & Compensation Management Implement and manage change control processes Prepare and agree compensation events, variations, and re-measures Maintain detailed records to support claims and entitlement 5. Reporting & Forecasting Produce monthly commercial reports Present CVRs and explain financial performance and variances Ensure data accuracy and audit compliance 6. Project & Operational Support Collaborate with Project Managers to align commercial and operational decisions Provide commercial guidance and mentoring (non-line management) Support procurement decisions to ensure commercial viability 7. Risk, Compliance & Documentation Maintain comprehensive commercial records and documentation Support dispute resolution processes if required Ensure compliance with internal management systems and governance standards Experience & Qualifications Essential Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar 7–10 years’ experience in construction, civil engineering, or subcontracting Strong knowledge of NEC3/4 and JCT contracts (including Options A/C/E) Proven experience managing multiple projects Strong commercial and financial acumen Experience with valuations, CVRs, forecasts, and final accounts Excellent negotiation and communication skills High attention to detail and organisation Full UK Driving Licence Desirable Professional membership (e.g. RICS) Experience in geotechnical, environmental, or civil engineering subcontracting Working Conditions Based at head office with occasional travel to project sites across the UK (typically a few times per month) Hybrid working available (1–2 days from home depending on candidate) Projects typically range from £250k to £6m (average ~£1m) Additional Information Predominantly office-based with regular computer use Occasional visits to operational facilities may be required General Expectations Promote high standards of safety, quality, and environmental performance Support continuous improvement across commercial practices Undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the seniority of the role