At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist with cost estimates, project management, and liaising with teams on construction projects.
- Company: Established main contractor in Central London with a supportive culture.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, mentoring from experienced professionals, and long-term career progression.
- Other info: Diverse project portfolio and exposure to both Quantity Surveying and Estimating.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in construction with hands-on experience and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree or HND in Quantity Surveying; 3-4 years of commercial experience preferred.
Location: Central London
Salary/Rate: £200 - £250 per day
Contract: 6 months (ongoing)
The Opportunity
An established and growing main contractor is looking to appoint an Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Estimator to join its commercial team based in Central London. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career commercial professional looking to develop their career within a supportive environment. The role will provide exposure across the full project lifecycle, working alongside experienced commercial professionals on a variety of construction projects. The business is looking for someone with solid construction fundamentals and a genuine desire to learn and progress. Previous refurbishment or commercial fit-out experience would be beneficial but is by no means essential.
The Role
- Assisting with the preparation of cost estimates and tender submissions.
- Supporting the Quantity Surveyors with project cost management.
- Preparing and issuing enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers.
- Analysing quotations and assisting with subcontract procurement.
- Measuring works from drawings and specifications.
- Assisting with valuations, variations and final accounts.
- Monitoring project costs and reporting against budgets.
- Preparing commercial reports and maintaining accurate project records.
- Liaising with site teams, clients, consultants and subcontractors.
- Supporting the commercial team throughout pre-construction and live project delivery.
About You
You'll ideally have:
- Degree, HND or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying or a related construction discipline.
- 3–4 years' post-graduate commercial experience.
- Experience working for a main contractor or general contractor.
- Good understanding of construction processes and commercial principles.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills.
- Ability to read and interpret construction drawings.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
- Competent IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.
- A proactive approach and willingness to develop professionally.
Desirable
- Exposure to estimating duties.
- Experience assisting on commercial, residential, education, healthcare or mixed-use construction projects.
- Knowledge of JCT forms of contract.
- Previous exposure to refurbishment or fit-out projects (beneficial but not essential).
What's on Offer
Excellent opportunity to develop your commercial career. Support and mentoring from experienced Quantity Surveyors. Exposure to both Quantity Surveying and Estimating. Varied project portfolio. Long-term career progression. Competitive salary and benefits package.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor - Central London employer: Build Space Group Ltd
Join a dynamic team at our major new-build accommodation project in Catterick Garrison, where we prioritise safety and teamwork in a supportive work environment. We offer competitive daily rates, weekly pay, and the chance for long-term employment, allowing you to grow your skills alongside experienced professionals in modern construction methods. If you're reliable and hardworking, this is an excellent opportunity to contribute to a significant development while enjoying the benefits of a collaborative and rewarding workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Quantity Surveyor - Central London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Build Space Group Ltd.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Build Space Group Ltd appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Quantity Surveyor - Central London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Build Space Group Ltd know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Build Space Group Ltd is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Build Space Group Ltd
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
