At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating and quantity surveying teams to deliver high-quality retail projects.
- Company: Well-established specialist in retail fit-out and refurbishment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Exciting career progression opportunities in a collaborative environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing business and shape its commercial direction with real influence.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in estimating, leadership skills, and strong commercial acumen.
Location: London / South East (with UK travel as required)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits
Senior Commercial Leadership Opportunity
Our client is a well-established and highly regarded specialist within the retail fit-out and refurbishment sector, delivering high-quality projects for some of the UK's most recognised retail brands.
With an impressive track record of delivering fast-paced, high-quality projects nationwide, the business is entering an exciting period of growth and is seeking an experienced Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying to lead its commercial pre-construction and project commercial functions.
This is a confidential appointment being managed exclusively by our recruitment consultancy.
The Opportunity
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the estimating and quantity surveying functions, ensuring commercially robust tenders, effective cost management and profitable project delivery across the business. This is a key leadership role that combines strategic commercial oversight with day-to-day management of a growing commercial team. You'll work closely with operational leaders, clients and the wider senior management team to support continued business growth while maintaining the highest commercial standards.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the Estimating and Quantity Surveying teams.
- Oversee the preparation of competitive, commercially sound tenders and cost plans.
- Ensure accurate project pricing, risk assessment and value engineering throughout the tender process.
- Provide commercial leadership from project award through to final account.
- Manage project budgets, cost reporting, cash flow and profitability.
- Monitor commercial performance across all live projects.
- Develop strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Negotiate contracts and oversee procurement strategies.
- Identify commercial risks and implement effective mitigation plans.
- Drive continuous improvement across estimating, procurement and commercial processes.
- Produce accurate commercial reporting and forecasts for the senior leadership team.
- Mentor and develop commercial staff, supporting succession planning and team growth.
About You
You'll be an experienced commercial leader with a strong background in retail fit-out, interiors or the wider construction sector. You'll be commercially astute, highly organised and confident managing both the tendering and project commercial lifecycle while leading and developing high-performing teams.
We're looking for someone with:
- Significant experience in estimating and quantity surveying within retail fit-out, commercial interiors or construction.
- Previous leadership or management experience within a commercial function.
- Excellent knowledge of construction contracts, procurement and commercial management.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tenders and projects simultaneously.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
- Experience mentoring and developing commercial professionals.
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline (preferred).
- Membership of RICS, CIOB or equivalent is advantageous.
What's on Offer
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected, growing business where you'll have genuine influence over the commercial direction of the company. In return, you'll receive:
- Competitive salary with performance-related bonus.
- A senior leadership position with real autonomy and influence.
- Opportunity to shape and develop the commercial function.
- Long-term career progression within an ambitious business.
- Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
- Comprehensive benefits package.
Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying in London employer: Cityscape Recruitment
Cityscape Recruitment is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the construction sector. Located in St Albans, employees benefit from a competitive salary, car allowance, and annual bonuses, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth and development within a supportive team environment. Join us to be part of exciting projects across London, where your expertise will be recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying 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 Cityscape Recruitment, 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 Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying at Cityscape Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying in London
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 Cityscape Recruitment
✨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!
