At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial function and shape the team in a growing civil engineering firm.
- Company: Established civil engineering contractor specialising in highways infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and performance-based bonuses.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with minimal travel and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Gain director-level responsibility quickly while influencing the commercial function's direction.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Managing Quantity Surveyor with NEC contract knowledge.
We're working confidentially with an established civil engineering contractor specialising in highways infrastructure, from major National Highways framework contracts through to privately secured subcontract work with several tier one national contractors. This business has grown rapidly, with turnover roughly doubling over recent years, and further growth planned. That growth has created a genuine gap: a Managing Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of the commercial function, build out the team beneath them, and put their own stamp on how the department runs.
The Role
- Take full ownership of the commercial function, initially leading a Quantity Surveyor and a Commercial Assistant, with the estimating function set to come under your remit as the team develops.
- Act as the key commercial point of contact for a major public-sector client and a portfolio of tier one contractor accounts.
- Manage commercial delivery on NEC Option C / target cost contracts through to final account, alongside privately secured subcontract work.
- Produce turnover and margin forecasts, cost reports, and risk/opportunity reporting for the senior leadership team.
- Genuine scope to shape process — this business is mid-integration following a recent acquisition, and there is real latitude to influence how the commercial function is run.
What We're Looking For
- Currently operating at Managing Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager level (or very close to it) within a civil engineering or infrastructure environment, highways, rail, water and energy backgrounds all genuinely considered.
- Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts, ideally with direct target cost / Option C experience.
- Experience dealing with Tier 1 and Tier 2 contractors, producing applications and agreeing final accounts.
- Comfortable with monthly CVR reporting and commercial governance processes.
- Confident identifying and notifying contractual change in accordance with the various forms of contract.
- A track record of proactively identifying and securing commercial extras, not just administering what's already agreed.
- Someone who wants more than a lateral move, genuinely ambitious, with an eye on a senior leadership path.
- Full UK driving licence.
Why Make the Move
- A clear, realistic route to director-level responsibility within a small number of years, in a business that is actively growing rather than standing still.
- The chance to build and shape a function, not inherit someone else's structure.
- A small, close-knit, well-regarded team, with genuine autonomy over how you manage your week.
- A strong, competitive package including car allowance, private healthcare, and a bonus scheme based on targets and company performance.
Package Details
- Salary: circa £75,000–£80,000 (up to £85,000 for someone with direct sector and contract experience) + a bonus scheme based on targets and company performance.
- Package: £7,200 car allowance, 3% pension, private healthcare, retail discounts scheme.
- Location: West Yorkshire, hybrid working, office-based while embedding, moving to c.3 days/week.
- Travel: Minimal, occasional client visits, rarely overnight.
To have a confidential conversation about this opportunity, please apply below.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Quantity Surveyor in Normanton
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AMB Recruitment Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Managing Quantity Surveyor at AMB Recruitment Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Quantity Surveyor in Normanton
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AMB Recruitment Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
