At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as a Quantity Surveyor, managing budgets and ensuring project success.
- Company: Bury Council is dedicated to enhancing community living through effective housing services.
- Benefits: Enjoy agile working, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on local housing projects while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: HND or equivalent in a relevant subject; 3 years' experience in quantity surveying required.
- Other info: Valid UK driving licence needed for site visits; car user allowance available.
Department: Housing Services
Division/Section: Assets Delivery Team
Location: Primarily based at 6 Knowsley Place and Bury Town Hall, with requirements to work at other Council buildings, project sites, and remotely (agile working)
Post Grade: 3 month rolling contract- 37 hours a week- £30 - 40p/h (dependent on experience) Inside IR35
Reports To: Commercial Manager (Finance, Contracts & Procurement)
Accountable To: Head of Property
Special Conditions:
- Valid UK Driving Licence and access to a vehicle for site visits
- Car user allowance (subject to annual review)
Job Purpose
To provide comprehensive Quantity Surveying services in support of Bury Council's Housing Capital Programmes and Environmental Projects. This includes preparing estimates, tender documentation, cost advice, and final accounts. The role also requires effective engagement with internal departments, tenants, leaseholders, contractors, and external bodies to ensure quality, compliance, value for money, and professional service delivery in line with statutory requirements and Council policies.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Contract Duties:
- Prepare budget and detailed cost estimates for Housing Capital and Environmental schemes
- Compile tender documents including specifications and quantity take-offs
- Analyse costings to improve cost-effectiveness and value engineering
- Liaise with Legal Services to ensure compliance with Contract Procedure Rules
- Issue tenders via the Council's electronic portal (e-tendering)
- Evaluate returned tenders, verify lowest compliant bids, and prepare tender reports
- Engage in negotiations for price adjustments and prepare Bills of Adjustment
- Promote and evaluate the social value and community benefit aspects of investment contracts
- Provide financial advice for external funding and grant applications
Post-Contract Duties:
- Prepare monthly cost forecasts and financial reports
- Assess contractor claims (e.g., liquidated damages, variation valuations)
- Produce accurate valuations of completed works and on-site materials
- Prepare and agree Final Accounts with contractors, including variation negotiations
- Compile contract cost analysis reports
Additional Duties:
- Source estimates from M&E consultants and specialist contractors
- Provide advice on financial matters related to construction and landscaping schemes
- Implement and support modern practices (e.g. partnering, frameworks, e-tendering, ISO 9001 Quality Assurance)
- Contribute to corporate and departmental safeguarding responsibilities
- Ensure compliance with Council policies on health and safety, equality, and employee wellbeing
- Attend training and commit to ongoing professional development
Working Relationships
Internal:
- Housing Services colleagues
- Other Council departments (Legal, Finance, Procurement, etc.)
External:
- Contractors, suppliers, consultants
- Tenants and leaseholders
- Officers of other local authorities and government agencies
Control of Resources
Financial:
- Responsible for the preparation and monitoring of project budgets in accordance with Council financial regulations
Other:
- Responsible for materials and equipment under their control
- Contribute to the health, safety, and welfare of employees, tenants, and leaseholders
Person Specification
Qualifications & Memberships
- HND or equivalent in a relevant subject
- Chartered or professional qualification (e.g., RICS, CIOB, degree in Building Surveying)
- Commitment to continuous professional development
Knowledge & Experience
- Minimum 3 years post-qualification experience in quantity surveying
- Experience in project-based work (preferably within social housing or public sector)
- Familiarity with local government procedures and regulations
- Financial management and budget control experience
- Experience working in multi-disciplinary teams
- Understanding of relevant statutory construction legislation
Skills & Abilities
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to manage workload autonomously
- Excellent verbal and written communication
- Strong interpersonal and stakeholder engagement skills
- High level of IT proficiency, particularly Microsoft Office
- Understanding of procurement processes and contract administration
Shortlisting Criteria (Summary)
- Degree or professional qualification in a relevant field
- Minimum 3 years' relevant experience
- Strong contract and financial management capabilities
- Ability to lead or oversee financial aspects of construction projects
- Aware of social housing or local authority constraints (desirable)
If interested please email your CV or please call me on (phone number removed)
Quanitity Surveyor employer: Carrington West
Contact Detail:
Carrington West Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quanitity Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific requirements of the role by reviewing Bury Council's Housing Capital Programmes and Environmental Projects. Understanding their objectives will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the quantity surveying field, especially those who have experience working with local councils or in social housing. Engaging with them can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals for the position.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and cost estimation in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully managed project costs and improved value engineering in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your understanding of procurement processes and contract administration during interviews. Highlight any relevant experiences where you’ve engaged with legal services or evaluated tenders, as this is crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Quanitity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quantity surveying, especially any work related to social housing or public sector projects. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills in financial management and contract administration.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that addresses the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Explain how your background aligns with the requirements, particularly your experience in preparing estimates, tender documentation, and engaging with stakeholders.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your HND or any professional memberships like RICS or CIOB. If you have additional training or certifications related to quantity surveying, be sure to mention those as well.
Showcase Your Skills: Emphasise your analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as your ability to manage workloads autonomously. Provide examples of how you've successfully engaged with various stakeholders in previous roles.
How to prepare for a job interview at Carrington West
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Quantity Surveyor, you'll be expected to handle budgets and cost estimates. Brush up on your financial management skills and be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed project budgets in the past.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Local Government Procedures
Understanding the specific regulations and procedures of local government is crucial for this role. Research Bury Council's policies and be ready to explain how you can ensure compliance in your work.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
You'll need to engage with various stakeholders, from contractors to council departments. Prepare examples that demonstrate your strong verbal and written communication skills, especially in negotiating and reporting.
✨Highlight Your Problem-Solving Abilities
The role requires strong analytical skills to improve cost-effectiveness and value engineering. Be ready to discuss specific challenges you've faced in previous projects and how you resolved them.