At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management and ensure value for money in high-value projects.
- Company: Local authority offering a dynamic and impactful work environment.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, professional development, and the chance to make a difference.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of delivering essential public projects with real community impact.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying, MRICS or working towards chartership, and strong commercial skills.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for mentoring and career growth.
This is a senior-level opportunity for a commercially astute Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of high-value capital and maintenance programmes within a local authority environment. You will sit at the heart of delivery—controlling cost, managing risk, and ensuring public money is spent properly, transparently, and to best value.
You will be trusted to lead, advise, and challenge—bringing structure, discipline, and calm commercial judgement to complex projects.
The RoleYou will take responsibility for the full commercial lifecycle across a varied portfolio of construction, infrastructure, and maintenance schemes, acting as the go-to commercial lead for project teams and senior stakeholders.
Key duties include:- Leading cost management from inception through to final account
- Preparing and managing budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and financial reporting
- Running procurement exercises, including tender documentation, evaluation, and contract award
- Providing clear commercial advice to project managers, engineers, and senior stakeholders
- Administering contracts (JCT and/or NEC) in line with public sector regulations
- Valuing works, certifying payments, and managing final accounts
- Managing variations, change control, and commercial risk
- Producing concise reports for senior management and elected members
- Supporting and mentoring junior surveyors
- Championing value for money and best practice throughout
- Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
- MRICS (or equivalent), or actively working towards chartership
- Solid experience in quantity surveying, cost consultancy, or commercial management
- Strong working knowledge of JCT and/or NEC contracts
- Experience within the public sector, or a clear understanding of UK public procurement regulations
- Confident with financial reporting, cost analysis, and commercial decision-making
- Strong communicator—able to influence, negotiate, and build trust at all levels
- Comfortable using Excel and cost management systems
- Previous local authority or wider public sector experience
- Exposure to sustainability, whole-life costing, or asset management
- Understanding of lifecycle planning and long-term value creation
- Commercially sharp, with a firm grip on value for money
- Calm, organised, and detail-driven
- Collaborative by nature, but confident enough to challenge when needed
- Resilient and dependable under pressure
- Professionally minded, with a commitment to continuous improvement
In short: this is a role for a seasoned QS who understands governance, respects public money, and takes pride in delivering projects the right way.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Nottingham employer: 1st Select Ltd
Contact Detail:
1st Select Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Quantity Surveyor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to cost management and contract administration. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your previous work, like reports or case studies, to demonstrate your experience in managing budgets and procurement exercises. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. We suggest mentioning something specific from the conversation to show your genuine interest in the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the Senior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your experience with JCT and NEC contracts, as well as any public sector work you've done. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Talk about your commercial acumen and how you've successfully managed costs in previous projects. We love a good story that showcases your skills!
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities—show us what you've achieved! Use specific examples of how you've led cost management or improved financial reporting. Numbers speak volumes, so if you can quantify your successes, do it!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at 1st Select Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your cost management skills and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. Be specific about the figures and outcomes you've achieved.
✨Understand the Contracts
Familiarise yourself with JCT and NEC contracts, as these are crucial for the role. Prepare examples of how you've administered these contracts in past projects, highlighting any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will show your depth of knowledge and practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be expected to lead and mentor junior surveyors, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've guided teams through complex projects, ensuring everyone is aligned and motivated. This will demonstrate your ability to take ownership and drive results.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing commercial advice or risk management. Use real-life scenarios to illustrate your points, showing that you can influence and negotiate effectively with stakeholders.