At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage budgets, oversee contracts, and support project delivery with a collaborative team.
- Company: Join Colas Rail, a diverse and inclusive company transforming transportation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 26 days leave, healthcare, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace diversity and join our Employee Network Groups for support and connection.
- Why this job: Make a positive impact on local communities while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc in Quantity Surveying and relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About Colas Rail
Make your mark with Colas Rail UK. At Colas Rail, differences matter. Join a team where being your authentic self is respected, encouraged, and vital to our success. You will be welcomed into an inclusive team where there's a role for every talent and a close-knit, familial culture. You will also get the opportunity to help us transform transportation, set new standards, and dare to be different.
This is true because:
- We value everyone as part of the same team.
- We treat everyone as equals - and everyone is approachable, from the CEO down.
- We put you in control of your career to lead and grow in any way you want.
- We have a culture of care, from safe working environments to diversity and inclusion.
- We're renowned for innovation, adopting new ideas, and daring to be different.
- We are building a more sustainable future and our projects impact infrastructure for generations.
Our Values Respect, Commitment, Pioneering and Sharing are at the heart of everything we do. These values feed into our main strategies and accompany us daily in realising our ambitions.
We Respect our employees, celebrate diversity and foster a culture of safety, care and respect for everyone we interact with. We care about our employee’s wellbeing and create an environment of inclusivity and support.
We Commit by showing up wholeheartedly. When we commit together, we invest in everyone’s success. We invest in our customers, our teams and our colleagues, and we lead with safety, integrity, passion, purpose, ethics and transparency.
We Share as we all hold knowledge that could and should be shared, enabling us to grow and making us a strong collective. We have a passion for excellence, celebrating achievements and nurturing talent.
We Pioneer to push boundaries, imagine what does not yet exist and dare to do what others do not. We innovate with ambition, and we find solutions.
Purpose of the Role
We are looking for a talented Quantity Surveyor to contribute to the delivery of key projects under the Southern Rail Systems Alliance contract, spanning the Wales and Western region. This role offers the opportunity to work collaboratively with a diverse team of alliance partners, build strong relationships with delivery teams and take a proactive approach to managing and reporting budgets, targets and project changes. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences, valuing fresh perspectives and innovative thinking. If you are keen to make a positive impact, support inclusive practices and help deliver infrastructure that benefits local communities, we would be delighted to hear from you. The role is based at Bristol Parkway Depot, with hybrid working options available to support a flexible work-life balance.
Key Responsibilities
As a Quantity Surveyor, you will take ownership of budgets, forecasting, applications, variance analysis and change control, ensuring full compliance with legal and regulatory requirements as well as alliance and business governance policies. Your remit will include overseeing the complete contract and subcontract administration process, from procurement through to final account. You will identify and value contractual changes and play a key role in resolving claims from the supply chain. Teamwork is central to success at Colas Rail, so you will also mentor and support junior members of the commercial team, helping to strengthen skills and achieve commercial excellence across the project and wider business. Through your contribution to the continuous improvement of commercial processes, you will help Colas Rail to grow, innovate and secure new contracts.
Person Specification
We are seeking an individual with a BSc in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent) and several years’ relevant experience. Given the collaborative nature of the contract, strong interpersonal and communication skills are essential. You will bring proven commercial acumen, along with the ability to manage budgets, oversee change control, produce accurate forecasts and handle all aspects of contract administration. Organised, proactive and solutions-focused, you will be a clear communicator who can work effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and supply chain partners. We welcome applications from professionals with diverse backgrounds and experiences and we value fresh perspectives, collaborative spirit and the energy to deliver outstanding results.
What we Offer
- Competitive Salary
- 26 days Annual Leave
- Industry leading Life Assurance
- Healthcare Cash Plan
- Wellbeing Employee Assistant Programme
- Pension Scheme
- Eye Care Vouchers
- Long Service Award
- Season Ticket Loan
- Occupational Health Service
Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We believe that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we actively seek to create an environment where everyone feels welcome, heard, valued and respected. Regardless of background, disability, age, race, religion, or gender, everyone is welcome at Colas Rail. We strive to promote equity and eliminate discrimination, actively seeking to create a workforce reflective of communities we serve. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, offering flexible and inclusive adjustments to the interview process. As part of a positive action drive to address under‑representation we encourage applications from women, ethnically diverse individuals and people with disabilities, along with all candidates who identify with protected characteristic groups under the Equality Act 2010. We are proudly part of the Disability Confidence Scheme, and as such we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you meet the minimum requirements. On joining Colas Rail you’ll have access to our growing Employee Network Groups including Railbow (representing the LGBTQ+ community), BeyonDisability (representing those with disabilities) and Cross Culture (representing people from ethnic backgrounds). Everyone is welcome to join our network groups whether you are part of the community or an ally.
Work Life Balance
Work life balance is important to us; flexible working options are available where feasible and dependant on the role. Please discuss this during the interview process.
Apply Now
Join us in making a positive impact! Apply and be part of a team that values diversity and embraces unique perspectives.
Quantity Surveyor employer: Colas Rail UK
Colas Rail is an exceptional employer that champions inclusivity and innovation, making it a fantastic place for a Quantity Surveyor to thrive. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, a supportive work culture, and opportunities for professional growth, you will be part of a close-knit team dedicated to transforming transportation and building sustainable infrastructure in the Wales and Western region. The hybrid working options at our Bristol Parkway Depot further enhance work-life balance, allowing you to excel both personally and professionally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor
✨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 Colas Rail UK, 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 Quantity Surveyor at Colas Rail UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor
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 Colas Rail UK
✨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!
