Clerk of Works

Contract: 3 months | 2 days per week

Location: Northwood, London

Security Clearance: Must be SC or BPSS Cleared

CI Projects is a boutique business consultancy committed to helping organisations continuously improve by enabling the true convergence of people, processes and technology. We work closely with clients to define the issue, the destination and how to get there – providing the tools, capability and confidence needed to sustain improvements long after we have gone.

We are looking for an experienced Quality Assurance Lead to oversee quality governance, technical compliance and defect elimination across a fast-track commercial office refurbishment and fit‑out project. This is a hands‑on, site based role acting as the client’s independent eyes and ears, combining traditional Clerk of Works inspection rigour with a continuous improvement mindset.

Role Overview

You will be responsible for monitoring build quality across architectural and M&E works, identifying defects early and ensuring issues are resolved before they impact programme delivery or handover.

Working closely with the client, PMO, contractors and site teams, you will provide independent assurance that works are being delivered in line with design specifications, statutory requirements and agreed quality standards. A key focus will be on progressive snagging, defect prevention and reducing rework so that the project can transition smoothly into operational use at the end of the 3-month programme.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Carry out regular on‑site inspections across trade works including M&E, partitions, acoustics, ceilings, finishes and joinery.
• Verify works against drawings, specifications, building regulations and agreed quality standards.
• Identify workmanship issues, non‑compliant materials and emerging defects at an early stage.
• Maintain a live defect register and track actions through to resolution.
• Apply root‑cause thinking to recurring defects and support practical corrective actions to reduce rework.
• Lead progressive snagging and milestone quality reviews throughout the project lifecycle.
• Oversee key M&E quality and compliance checks, including testing, commissioning and above‑ceiling installations.
• Review areas such as HVAC, electrical systems, fire‑stopping/fire‑damping and cabling prior to closure or sign‑off.
• Provide independent quality reporting to the PMO and client leadership team.
• Produce concise daily and weekly quality updates highlighting defects, risks, actions and areas requiring escalation.
• Work collaboratively with contractors and project stakeholders to resolve quality issues without compromising delivery timelines.
• Support final handover assurance and ensure outstanding defects are appropriately managed prior to operational transition.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong experience in quality assurance, Clerk of Works, construction inspection or site quality management.
• Demonstrable experience on commercial office refurbishment or fit‑out projects.
• Strong understanding of architectural finishes and M&E installations.
• Experience identifying, recording and driving the resolution of defects.
• Knowledge of testing, commissioning, compliance and handover requirements.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and quality standards.
• Experience working independently on behalf of a client or PMO would be highly advantageous.
• Strong attention to detail and the confidence to challenge poor‑quality workmanship or non‑compliance.
• A practical, delivery‑focused approach with an emphasis on defect prevention and reducing rework.
• Strong written reporting and stakeholder communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a fast‑paced, time‑critical project environment.

If you are an experienced Quality Assurance professional with strong commercial fitout and architectural background, we would be interested in hearing from you.