Senior Quantity Surveyor – Groundworks

Senior Quantity Surveyor – Contractor Role 📊 Reports to: Projects Commercial Director Job Purpose Working within the Project Commercial Team, the Senior Quantity Surveyor (SQS) will provide full commercial support from pre-construction through to final account and project handover. The role focuses on protecting and enhancing project margin, ensuring commercial compliance, and supporting successful project delivery through effective cost and contract management. Key Responsibilities Provide full commercial support across all project phases, from pre-construction to final account Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial risks Identify and maximise commercial opportunities to improve project margins Ensure full compliance with commercial governance and approval processes Prepare and deliver commercial reports for internal stakeholders and clients Develop budgets and client proposals, balancing value and profitability Manage and lead the Quantity Surveying team Protect and enhance contractual margins throughout project delivery Lead and manage the final account process Complete monthly CVRs and review inputs from junior QS staff Manage subcontractor accounts and commercial performance Qualifications & Experience Essential Degree qualified (BSc or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management Strong experience administering NEC Engineering & Construction Contracts Background in civil infrastructure projects, particularly earthworks Proven track record of improving margin and cash flow during project delivery Experience managing projects/contracts valued up to £50m Minimum 10 years’ experience in a senior commercial role Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and project tools Experience with COINS or similar project accounting software Key Skills Strong commercial acumen and negotiation capability In-depth knowledge of NEC contracts (formal qualification desirable) Ability to balance strategic objectives with short-term performance Excellent relationship management with clients, teams, and suppliers Strong organisational and administrative skills Effective problem-solving with the ability to recover challenging commercial positions Confident presentation and communication skills Technical Competencies End-to-end commercial management of construction projects Contract administration and governance compliance Strong understanding of construction contracts and legal frameworks Proven negotiation and contract value optimisation experience Experience in civil infrastructure project delivery Ability to manage WIP and understand earned value metrics Accurate and timely commercial reporting to stakeholders Leadership & Personal Attributes Strong leadership, promoting best commercial practices across teams Collaborative, team-oriented approach across all levels and stakeholders Proactive and self-motivated problem solver Client-focused while maintaining commercial objectives Committed to continuous professional development Strong relationship-building and networking skills Ability to inspire and improve team and supplier performance Summary This job description provides an overview of the role and its key responsibilities. Duties may vary in line with business needs and project requirements