At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project finances, cost planning, and contract administration for impactful infrastructure projects.
- Company: Carnell, a leader in highway maintenance with a commitment to safety and innovation.
- Benefits: Access to rewards platform, group income protection, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for professional growth and a focus on work-life balance.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real difference in national infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Surveying degree or equivalent experience with NEC contracts.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
At Carnell, we’re raising the standard of excellence in highway maintenance and inspiring our partners and clients to share our commitment to safety, innovation and social value. As a business built on passion, responsiveness, trust and respect, we’re looking for someone who shares those values. We are now seeking a talented and proactive Quantity Surveyor to join our Commercial team and support the successful commercial management of our projects.
About The Role
As a Quantity Surveyor at Carnell, you will play a key role in managing the financial performance of our projects — from cost planning and forecast management to contract administration and risk reduction. You’ll work closely with operational teams, suppliers, subcontractors and clients to ensure projects remain commercially sound, cost-effective and aligned with contractual requirements.
What You’ll Do
- Carry out monthly cost and value reconciliation (CVR)
- Assess and submit quotations / compensation events
- Price and submit quotations for maintenance contract works
- Ensure scheme costs are accurately recorded in Nav13 and address any queries
- Prepare and submit final accounts, ensuring accurate and timely billing
- Manage subcontractors: issuing orders, assessing AFPs (Application for Payment) and processing payments
- Identify financial risks early and support mitigation strategies
- Provide advice on claims, cost overruns and scope changes
- Liaise with operational teams, subcontractors, suppliers and clients
- Attend internal and external meetings (virtual and face-to-face)
- Support efficient procurement through accurate cost data and strong supplier relationships
What You’ll Bring:
Qualifications & Experience
- Surveying degree or equivalent experience
- Experience with NEC3/4 contracts and working on frameworks
- Proven background managing complex, high-value civil engineering or drainage contracts — ideally within highways
- Experience administering NEC Option C contracts
- Full, clean UK driving licence
Skills & Attributes
- Highly organised with strong time management skills
- A confident communicator — both written and verbal
- Detail driven, analytical and commercially aware
- Comfortable working independently and within a team
- Adaptable and proactive, with strong relationship building skills
- Professional, reliable and responsible
What We Offer:
Joining Carnell means joining a company where people truly matter. You’ll benefit from:
- Access to an online rewards platform (900+ retailers)
- Group income protection
We create an environment where people can thrive — valuing diversity, wellbeing and a positive work-life balance.
Ready to Move Your Career Forward?
If you’re a motivated Quantity Surveyor looking to contribute to impactful national infrastructure projects, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become part of a passionate, innovative and trusted team.
Quantity Surveyor employer: Carnell
At Carnell, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and dynamic work environment where our employees can thrive. As a Quantity Surveyor, you will not only engage in meaningful projects that enhance national infrastructure but also benefit from a culture that prioritises safety, innovation, and social value. With access to an extensive rewards platform and a commitment to employee wellbeing, Carnell is dedicated to your professional growth and work-life balance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor
✨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 Carnell, 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 at Carnell.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor
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 Carnell
✨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!
