Senior Quantity Surveyor (Regional Main Contractor, South Wales) £60,000 to £70,000 + Car Allowance & Package (DOE) Cardiff Permanent, Full Time The Opportunity If you are a Tier 1 Senior Quantity Surveyor tired of long M4 commutes, endless corporate red tape, and being stuck managing a single package on a mega project, this role offers a genuine alternative. You can step into full commercial ownership with one of South Wales' most respected regional main contractors. We are recruiting on behalf of a proudly independent, family run building contractor based in Cardiff with a heritage spanning over 135 years. Known across South Wales for quality delivery, repeat public and private sector clients, and a close knit team of around 70 staff (including their own in house trade operatives), our client is looking for a commercially astute Senior Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team. This is a rare chance to bring your Tier 1 commercial rigour, contractual discipline, and systems mindset into a supportive, agile regional business where your decisions directly shape project profitability and you are home every evening. Why Make the Move? * True Cradle to Grave Ownership: Rather than managing just one or two packages on a massive scheme, you will lead the entire commercial process across varied projects from pre construction and procurement through to final account. * Strictly South Wales Patch: Say goodbye to Bristol or London travel and hotel stays. All schemes are focused across Cardiff and the surrounding South Wales region. * Diverse, Engaging Project Mix: Work across a balanced portfolio of education (new build schools and complex university refurbishments), sensitive heritage and listed building restorations, healthcare, commercial, and industrial builds. * Direct Leadership Access: Work directly alongside the Commercial Director and operational directors in a flat, non corporate structure where good commercial ideas get signed off quickly. The Role Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will take the commercial lead on multiple concurrent projects or larger flagship schemes. You will protect project margins, manage risk, and build strong relationships with clients, PQS teams, and local supply chain partners. Key Responsibilities: * Full Commercial Management: Lead cost control, monthly Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), cash flow forecasting, and risk and opportunity management across your assigned projects. * Procurement and Subcontract Management: Manage tender enquiries, subcontractor comparisons, order placements, interim valuations, variations, and final account agreements. * Contract Administration: Administer JCT and NEC forms of contract robustly, ensuring timely notices, effective change control, and solid commercial protection. * Client and Design Interface: Attend pre contract and site progress meetings, working collaboratively with client representatives, architects, and project managers to deliver practical value engineering solutions. * Mentoring and Standards: Help elevate commercial processes by sharing Tier 1 best practice and supporting junior and assistant surveyors within the team. About You Our client is specifically keen to speak with Senior Quantity Surveyors from a Tier 1 or major national main contractor background who want to transition into a leading regional SME contractor. Essential Experience and Skills: * Degree qualified (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management. MRICS status (or working towards it) is advantageous, though not essential. * Proven track record as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, or an established Project QS ready to step up, with a Tier 1 or large regional building contractor. * Strong commercial acumen with hands on experience managing both JCT and NEC contracts across new build and complex refurbishment schemes. * A confident negotiator capable of building long term, fair relationships with local South Wales subcontractors while firmly protecting contractual positions. * Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel between the Cardiff office and live sites across South Wales. Rewards and Benefits * Competitive Salary: £60,000 to £70,000 per annum (dependent on experience). * Car and Travel: Car allowance or company car option, plus business mileage. * Package and Stability: Performance related bonus, employer pension contribution, private healthcare, generous annual leave, and long term job security with a financially sound, debt free regional business
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Cardiff employer: BMSL Group Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative team at one of the UK's leading civil engineering contractors, where your role as Design Manager will be pivotal in shaping major infrastructure projects across Wales. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive salaries, and a supportive work culture, this company offers a unique opportunity to influence significant projects while enjoying a comprehensive benefits package, including a car allowance. Embrace the chance to grow within a thriving business that values technical excellence and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Cardiff
✨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 BMSL Group Ltd, 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 Senior Quantity Surveyor at BMSL Group Ltd.
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 BMSL Group Ltd
✨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!
