Senior Quantity Surveyor in Helensburgh

About The Role

Work Location: Project/office-based in the West of Scotland – Central Belt (including Glasgow, Dumbarton, Inverclyde, Argyle), in line with the Company’s flexible working policies.

Geographical Focus: West of Scotland, with opportunities to work on major infrastructure and civil engineering projects across the region.

Project Type: Civil Engineering

Company: Balfour Beatty Group

About Balfour Beatty In Scotland

Balfour Beatty is a leading international infrastructure and construction group, delivering regeneration and driving commercial excellence across Scotland. Our projects underpin daily life, support communities, and enable economic growth. In the West of Scotland, we are at the forefront of transformative engineering initiatives, such as the redevelopment of the former ExxonMobil site in Bowling, major highways, rail infrastructure, and large-scale civil engineering works.

Purpose of the Role

As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will manage all costs and income within your area of responsibility, minimising project costs and maximising value for money, while ensuring the highest standards and quality. You will typically be a Chartered Member of RICS, ICES, or CIOB, and have experience leading and mentoring a team. You will play a key role in delivering high-profile civil engineering projects that connect communities and create lasting social value.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial & Contractual Management
  • Lead commercial and contractual control across complex civil engineering elements (e.g., earthworks, highways, rail interfaces, major infrastructure).
  • Prepare and maintain cost reporting systems, manage forecasts, and ensure budget alignment.
  • Oversee subcontract procurement and administration, ensuring high‑value procurement and adherence to subcontract terms.
  • Conduct risk assessments, value engineering, and manage claims, costs, and contractual risk proactively.
• Stakeholder Engagement
  • Collaborate with Project Management, Transport Scotland, West Dunbartonshire Council, Network Rail, and other key stakeholders to ensure seamless project execution.
• Team Leadership & Development
  • Manage and mentor a small team of commercial staff, supporting recruitment, supervision, and professional development.
  • Provide guidance and feedback to less experienced team members, supporting their journey to professional qualification.
• Governance & Reporting
  • Adhere to company governance requirements and promote LEAN/digital opportunities.
  • Prepare internal reports, commercial progress updates, and financial reconciliations for senior project staff.

Required Skills, Knowledge & Experience

• BSc or MSc in Quantity Surveying or equivalent knowledge (civil engineering background highly desirable).
• Chartered or working towards MRCIS/MCInstCES/MCIOB.
• CSCS Card (Professionally Qualified Person).
• Extensive experience in civil/infrastructure sectors (earthworks, highways, rail, etc.).
• Proficient with NEC or JCT contract management, contract law, procurement, and variation processes.
• Strong analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder engagement skills.

Progression & Development Opportunities

At Balfour Beatty, you will join a well‑established construction team with a significant pipeline of prominent civil engineering projects in the West Of Scotland. You will work with true experts who will share their knowledge and provide support, encouragement, and invaluable feedback so you never stop learning. The company offers:

• Clear career progression pathways, with opportunities to advance to Managing QS, Commercial Manager, or other senior roles.
• Access to training programmes, construction academy initiatives, and professional development resources.
• The chance to work on flagship projects that deliver long‑term economic and community value.
• A culture that values collaboration, continuous improvement, and making a difference in local communities.

Behaviours

• Talk Positively
• Collaborate Relentlessly
• Encourage Constantly
• Make a Difference
• Value Everyone

Professional and Personal Development

The size and scale of Balfour Beatty coupled with our strong pipeline of work provides incredible opportunities, regardless of what stage you are at in your career. We encourage and empower our employees to take control of their career and explore which part of the business they want to work in and what role is right for them. We actively encourage our managers and employees to have open communication throughout the year about wellbeing, development and career opportunities. We’re proud of the Balfour Beatty Academy. Whether it’s sharpening your technical expertise, improving your personal skills or seeking support to become professionally qualified, our 70:20:10 approach to development means we have a learning approach that suits everyone.

70% learning on the job, 20% learning from those around you, and 10% formal training courses and learning events.

Benefits

• Smart working, giving you more flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, with up to 40% remote working, where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
• Family friendly policies which include 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave.
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and much more.

Diversity and Inclusion

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background. To find out how we are making this a reality, visit www.balfourbeatty.com/diversityandinclusion.

To help and support us with our desired commitment to create an inclusive culture we are members of WISE, ENEI, Business Disability Forum and the Association for Black and Minority Ethnic Engineers (AFBE). In 2020, we signed the Audeliss and Involve Open Letter to demonstrate our commitment to taking key long term and sustainable actions on Black Inclusion. Balfour Beatty is also a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence ‘Employer Recognition Scheme’ and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role. For more info, visit https://disabilityconfident.campaign.gov.uk/.

We are looking to continually improve our resourcing process and ensure that it is fair and inclusive for all. If you have any feedback on the process, please share this with us at: candidaterecruitmentqueries@balfourbeatty.com.