Senior Quantity Surveyor

Senior Quantity Surveyor – Data Centre Project (London)

Location: London, UK
Reporting to: Commercial Director / Head of Commercial
Department: Commercial / Quantity Surveying
Contract Type: Permanent

Company Overview

We are a leading contractor specialising in critical environments, including state‑of‑the‑art data centres, pharmaceutical facilities, high‑value industrial projects, and infrastructure. With a reputation for precision, technical excellence, and delivering under tight timeframes and high regulatory standards, our projects demand senior professionals who can balance commercial acumen with strong contract and cost control.

Role Summary

We are seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor (QS) to lead the commercial management of a major data centre project in London. You will be responsible for managing procurement, contract negotiation, cost forecasting, risk management, and final account settlement — ensuring the project’s financial performance aligns with contractual and company expectations. This role demands experience, leadership, and an ability to operate in high‑stake environments.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all quantity surveying functions for the data centre project from pre‑contract stage through to final account.
• Prepare cost plans, feasibility studies, and tender estimates; advise on commercial strategy.
• Undertake contract administration: manage variation/change orders, extension of time claims, adjudication of subcontractor/supplier claims.
• Negotiate and award subcontractor / supplier agreements to secure value for money.
• Monitor project budget, cash flow, and cost/value reporting; deliver accurate monthly cost‑value reconciliations.
• Produce forecasts, manage risk and report on financial exposure and performance vs estimate.
• Oversee interim valuations, payment applications, and ensure timely payments / certifications.
• Mentor and manage junior QSs / commercial staff; ensure consistency in commercial procedures.
• Liaise with key stakeholders (client, design team, site team, procurement) to ensure contractual obligations are understood and met.
• Ensure compliance with relevant forms of contract (JCT, NEC, FIDIC etc.), legal obligations, and industry standards.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or equivalent. RICS membership or working toward it preferred.
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience as a Quantity Surveyor, with at least 3–5 years on large‑scale commercial or critical infrastructure / data centre projects.
• Proven track record in procurement, contract negotiation, budget management, and value engineering.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts (NEC / JCT / FIDIC) and commercial risk management.
• Excellent numerical, analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Strong communication, stakeholder management, and leadership ability.
• Ability to operate under pressure, manage competing priorities, and deliver in a fast‑paced environment.

What’s on Offer

• Competitive senior salary + bonus / performance‑based incentives.
• Exposure to a high visibility, technically demanding project in the data centre sector.
• Career growth potential in commercial leadership (e.g. Commercial Manager / Director roles).
• Opportunity to lead and develop a commercial team in a supportive, high‑standards culture.

How to Apply

If you\’re a senior QS with proven data centre or critical infrastructure experience, looking to take ownership of commercial performance on major projects, please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your relevant experience and successes in similar roles.