Surveyor - Cost Manager in London

Surveyor - Cost Manager in London

London Full-Time No working from home possible
Carrington West

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial management of water infrastructure projects and maximise project value.
  • Company: Join a major player in the UK's water sector with a focus on sustainability.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, private healthcare, and generous leave.
  • Other info: Join a supportive team with opportunities for growth and development.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on essential infrastructure while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience as a Quantity Surveyor with strong commercial and contractual knowledge.

Location: Greater London

Salary: Up to 85,000 + Package

Contract: Permanent

The Opportunity

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join a major water and wastewater capital delivery programme across Greater London. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially strong Quantity Surveyor to work across a portfolio of essential infrastructure projects focused on improving the resilience, performance and sustainability of the UK's water network. You will take responsibility for the commercial management of projects from valuation and change management through to subcontractor administration, forecasting and final account, working closely with operational and project delivery teams. The position would suit someone with a strong infrastructure or utilities background, with previous experience of NEC contracts and ideally exposure to the water sector.

Key Responsibilities

  • Leading the commercial management of a portfolio of water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
  • Preparing and managing applications for payment, valuations and project certifications.
  • Managing variations, compensation events and contractual change.
  • Ensuring commercial submissions are accurate, timely and fully supported.
  • Working closely with Project Managers, operational teams and clients to maximise project value and commercial performance.
  • Managing project cashflow and ensuring timely certification and payment.
  • Producing and maintaining accurate Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs).
  • Managing WIP, accruals, forecasting and project cost reporting.
  • Monitoring project costs against contract value, budgets and margin expectations.
  • Identifying commercial risks and opportunities and implementing appropriate actions.
  • Managing subcontractor accounts from procurement through to final account.
  • Reviewing subcontract applications, variations and commercial claims.
  • Developing strong relationships with subcontractors and the wider supply chain.
  • Preparing and issuing contractual notices in accordance with project requirements.
  • Supporting the resolution of contractual and commercial disputes.
  • Maintaining accurate commercial records, risk registers and supporting documentation.
  • Supporting monthly commercial reporting and project reviews.
  • Providing commercial advice and guidance to operational and project delivery teams.
  • Supporting and developing junior members of the commercial team.
  • Promoting commercial best practice and strong contractual governance across projects.

About You

  • Previous experience working as a Quantity Surveyor or Senior Quantity Surveyor within construction, infrastructure or utilities.
  • Strong commercial and contractual knowledge.
  • Experience managing project costs, valuations, forecasting and commercial reporting.
  • Good understanding of subcontractor management and supply chain processes.
  • Working knowledge of NEC3 and/or NEC4 contracts.
  • Experience managing compensation events, variations and contractual change.
  • Strong understanding of CVRs, WIP, accruals and project forecasting.
  • Strong numerical and analytical skills.
  • Good Microsoft Excel and commercial systems experience.
  • The ability to identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
  • Confidence working closely with operational teams, clients and subcontractors.
  • The ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

Previous experience delivering projects within the water sector, particularly for Thames Water or another UK water utility, would be highly advantageous.

Package

  • Salary up to 85,000 depending on experience
  • Company car and fuel card, including EV and hybrid options
  • Private healthcare with family cover
  • Discretionary bonus scheme
  • Contributory pension
  • 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Healthcare cash plan
  • Life assurance
  • Employee assistance programme
  • 24/7 online GP service
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
  • Retail and lifestyle discounts
  • Salary sacrifice EV/hybrid vehicle scheme

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a long-term programme of major investment within the water sector, working on essential infrastructure projects across Greater London. You will have significant responsibility for the commercial performance of your projects while joining an established team with opportunities for continued progression and development.

Surveyor - Cost Manager in London employer: Carrington West

Carrington West is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. With a strong focus on improving residential environments in Harlow, team members benefit from competitive daily rates and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community. The collaborative culture fosters innovation and supports professional advancement, making it an attractive place for experienced project managers looking to make a difference.

Carrington West

Contact Details:

Carrington West Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Surveyor - Cost Manager in London

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 Carrington West, 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 Surveyor - Cost Manager at Carrington West.

We think you need these skills to ace Surveyor - Cost Manager in London

Commercial Management
Valuation Management
Change Management
Subcontractor Administration
Forecasting
Final Account Management
NEC3 Contracts

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 Carrington West

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!