NEC Quantity Surveyor – Rail & Civils Location: North London office (4 days) + Heathrow (1 day per week) Rate: £500 per day (freelance) or £70,000–£80,000 + benefits (permanent) Contract: Freelance or Permanent – full time The company Apex Search and Selection is partnering with a well-established, fully accredited rail and civil engineering contractor based in North London. With 25+ years of industry experience, they deliver minor railway works, surveys, monitoring and civils packages for major infrastructure clients including Network Rail, National Highways, TfL and HS2-related schemes. They’re growing their commercial function and need an NEC specialist to take ownership of live contracts, including works at Heathrow. The role You’ll be the commercial lead across a portfolio of NEC contracts, working closely with project and delivery teams to protect margin and keep the contract administration tight. Four days a week you’ll be based in the North London office, with one day a week at Heathrow working alongside the site team and client. Key responsibilities * Full NEC3/NEC4 contract administration (Options A, C and E) * Managing compensation events, early warnings and programme submissions through CEMAR * Preparing and agreeing applications for payment, valuations and final accounts * Cost/value reconciliations, forecasting and monthly commercial reporting * Subcontract procurement, valuations and final account agreement * Change management, quotations and assessment of entitlement * Building strong commercial relationships with clients and supply chain on site at Heathrow What we’re looking for * Proven QS experience on NEC contracts within rail, civils or wider infrastructure * Hands-on experience using CEMAR (strongly preferred) * Contractor-side commercial experience, ideally Network Rail, TfL, aviation or highways * Confident managing the full CE process from notification to implementation * Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying or similar (MRICS/working towards desirable) * Able to commute to North London and travel to Heathrow weekly What’s on offer * £500 per day freelance, or £70k–£80k permanent salary plus benefits * Long-term pipeline with a respected, safety-first contractor * A visible role with genuine influence over the commercial function * Mix of office-based commercial work and live site exposure at Heathrow Interested? Apply with your CV or contact Apex Search and Selection for a confidential discussion. All applications handled in strict confidence
Quantity Surveyor NEC employer: Apex Search and Selection Limited
Apex Search is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where craftsmanship and engineering excellence converge. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, team members are encouraged to take ownership of prestigious projects across London and the South of England, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation. The company’s commitment to quality and client satisfaction, combined with its outstanding reputation in bespoke feature staircases, makes it a rewarding place for professionals seeking meaningful and impactful careers.
Contact Details:
Apex Search and Selection Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor NEC
✨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 Apex Search and Selection Limited, 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 Quantity Surveyor NEC at Apex Search and Selection Limited.
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 Apex Search and Selection Limited
✨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!