Quantity Surveyor (NEC / Rail & Civils) in Southampton

Quantity Surveyor (NEC / Rail & Civils) in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 55000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
Certain Advantage

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage high-profile projects, ensuring commercial success and client satisfaction.
  • Company: Join a leading specialist engineering contractor with exciting growth opportunities.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, flexible working, and ongoing training.
  • Other info: Flexible part-time options available for exceptional candidates.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on complex projects while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
  • Qualifications: Strong NEC contract experience and background in rail or civil engineering preferred.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 60000 £ per year.

South Yorkshire or Kent (Hybrid / Flexible)

£55,000 - £60,000 + Car Allowance + Training + Development + Progression + Company Benefits

Certain Advantage is hiring for a Senior Quantity Surveyor based in South Yorkshire or Kent. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing specialist engineering contractor delivering complex geo-technical and structural projects across the UK. This role is permanent and hybrid, with flexible working arrangements available (including part-time options for highly skilled candidates), and minimal travel required.

Are you a Quantity Surveyor with strong NEC competency, looking to join a highly successful contractor that will support your ongoing development, with potential opportunities for further progression? Do you want to work on varied, technically challenging projects, from major rail schemes to complex structural and geotechnical assets, where your ability to confidently manage variations and protect commercial positions will make a direct impact? This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established business unit within a major environmental and engineering group.

The Company: We are working with a specialist geotechnical and structural contractor, working on technically complex and interesting projects across the UK, forming part of one of Europe’s fastest-growing environmental and engineering consultancies. Delivering specialist contracting solutions across the construction, rail, and civil engineering sectors, the business manages a pipeline of high-profile schemes.

The Role: You will take commercial ownership of key, high-profile projects from procurement through to completion, working closely with delivery teams and clients. Day to day you will:

  • Manage contractual risks, variations, and change management processes across both geo (60%) and structures (40%) projects
  • Maximise monthly valuations and ensure timely submission, assessment, and approval processes
  • Lead regular meetings and maintain strong, assertive relationships with clients and delivery teams
  • Supervise and develop a small team of Quantity Surveyors and associated commercial processes
  • Review, negotiate, and agree contractual terms for upcoming tenders and high-risk projects
  • Produce accurate project cost/value reports and forecasts alongside Project Managers
  • Handle a small amount of subcontract procurement with minimal reporting requirements compared to Tier 1 contractors

The Individual: We are looking for people who can show:

  • Strong NEC contract competency and experience (NEC covers ~75% of the workload)
  • Ideally experience within the rail or civil engineering sectors
  • Strong background in managing variations, final accounts, and protecting commercial positions

Note: We are also open to hearing from exceptional, highly confident QS candidates with 2-3 years of experience, or those looking for flexible/part-time arrangements (2-3 days/week).

The Benefits:

  • Company car allowance
  • Discretionary bonus scheme
  • Potential long term progression into a Commercial Manager role (growth dependent)
  • Pension scheme and life assurance
  • Flexible benefits programme including private healthcare and the option to buy additional holidays
  • Regular training, continuous professional development, and career development support
  • A healthy work-life balance with hybrid and flexible working models

Does this sound like your next move? Apply today.

Working with Certain Advantage: We go the extra mile to find the best people for the job. If you’re looking for a role where you can make an impact and grow your career, we’ll work with you to find it. We partner with businesses across the UK in Engineering, Construction, IT, Finance and Commercial roles. If this job isn’t for you, visit our website to register for job alerts and career guidance.

Quantity Surveyor (NEC / Rail & Civils) in Southampton employer: Certain Advantage

Certain Advantage is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Quantity Surveyors can thrive on challenging projects in the rail and civil engineering sectors. With a strong focus on employee development, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to work-life balance, we provide our team with the tools and support needed for career progression and personal growth. Join us to be part of a leading specialist contractor within a major environmental and engineering group, where your contributions will directly impact high-profile projects across the UK.

Certain Advantage

Contact Details:

Certain Advantage Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor (NEC / Rail & Civils) in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a Quantity Surveyor role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Familiarise yourself with their work in rail and civil engineering, especially around NEC contracts. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in what they do.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll need to manage variations and protect commercial positions. Role-play scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before those crucial discussions.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you along the way, from job alerts to career guidance. Plus, it’s a great way to stay updated on new opportunities tailored just for you.

We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor (NEC / Rail & Civils) in Southampton

NEC Contract Competency
Commercial Management
Risk Management
Change Management
Valuation and Cost Reporting
Client Relationship Management
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your NEC contract experience and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background in rail or civil engineering makes you a great fit. Keep it engaging and personal!

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Talk about specific projects where you managed variations or improved commercial positions. We love to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and keep track of it. Plus, you can explore more about us while you're there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Certain Advantage

Know Your NEC Contracts

Make sure you brush up on your NEC contract knowledge before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed variations and protected commercial positions in past projects. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the contracts, but that you can apply them effectively.

Showcase Your Project Experience

Prepare to talk about your experience with rail and civil engineering projects. Highlight any complex geo-technical or structural projects you've worked on, and be ready to explain your role in managing contractual risks and change management processes. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the responsibilities of the role.

Build Rapport with Interviewers

During the interview, focus on building a strong connection with your interviewers. Ask insightful questions about their projects and team dynamics. This not only shows your interest in the company but also helps you gauge if it’s the right fit for you.

Prepare for Team Management Questions

Since the role involves supervising a small team of Quantity Surveyors, be prepared to discuss your leadership style and experiences. Think of examples where you've successfully developed team members or navigated challenges within a team setting. This will highlight your potential as a future Commercial Manager.