At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage change and commercial aspects of a major clean water project.
- Company: Established UK infrastructure business with 14,000+ employees.
- Benefits: Up to £400 per day, hybrid working, and potential contract extension.
- Other info: Flexible working arrangements after initial training and immediate start available.
- Why this job: Join a significant project and make a real impact in the utilities sector.
- Qualifications: Strong Quantity Surveying and change control experience required.
We're currently recruiting for an experienced Freelance Quantity Surveyor to join a major UK infrastructure business working on a significant United Utilities clean water mains replacement project across Lancashire and Cumbria.
The organisation is a large, established infrastructure business operating across water, energy, technology & communications and transport, with 14,000+ employees across 300+ locations. The project involves approximately 150km of clean water mains replacement, delivered through the supply chain across around 15 teams. This is a commercially focused opportunity with a strong emphasis on change control, Compensation Events and commercial management.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage change across the project
- Manage and progress Compensation Events
- Work through Early Warnings
- Maintain and progress the Compensation Event register
- Review and apply contractual change
- Measure completed works
- Manage commercial applications and associated quantum
- Support final accounts
- Manage subcontractors and subcontractor change
- Review and progress outstanding commercial matters
- Support the commercial management of the supply chain
- Ensure change and Compensation Events are progressed through to sign-off
What We're Looking For
We're looking for an experienced Quantity Surveyor with strong practical commercial and change experience.
Essential
- Strong Quantity Surveying experience
- Strong change control experience
- Compensation Event experience
- Commercial management experience
- Subcontractor management experience
- Ability to work independently and hit the ground running
Desirable
- Clean water experience
- Mains replacement experience
- Previous water company experience
- NEC experience
- Utilities / infrastructure experience
Candidates from gas, telecoms, highways or civils backgrounds may also be considered where they have strong transferable commercial and change experience.
Working Arrangement
The role is based from Fulwood, PR2, with the successful candidate required to attend the office initially to learn the project, systems and processes. Once established, there is flexibility around hybrid working, with a minimum expectation of 2 days per week in the office, more likely 3 days. The project covers Lancashire and Cumbria, and candidates based in Cumbria will also be considered. There may be opportunities to work from a suitable site depot.
Why Consider It?
- Major UK infrastructure organisation
- Significant United Utilities project
- 150km clean water mains replacement programme
- Strong commercial/change focus
- Freelance opportunity through to the end of 2026
- Potential to extend into 2027
- Up to £400 per day
- Hybrid working once established
- Immediate start available
If you're an experienced freelance QS with strong change, Compensation Event and utilities experience, I'd be keen to have a conversation.
Freelance Quantity Surveyor in Preston employer: ABS Commercial Solutions
Join a leading UK infrastructure organisation that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a strong emphasis on professional growth, you will have the opportunity to work on significant projects while enjoying flexible hybrid working arrangements. This role not only offers competitive pay but also the chance to contribute to impactful clean water initiatives across Lancashire and Cumbria.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Quantity Surveyor in Preston
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Quantity Surveyor in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at ABS Commercial Solutions.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let ABS Commercial Solutions know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at ABS Commercial Solutions
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like ABS Commercial Solutions. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
