At a Glance
- Tasks: Support commercial and procurement functions in exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join Colten, a dynamic team in residential and care home development.
- Benefits: Up to £49,000 salary, 25 days leave, and a modern office environment.
- Other info: Regular site visits and excellent career growth opportunities await you.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in quantity surveying and buying with hands-on experience.
- Qualifications: Organised, commercially aware, with communication and negotiation skills.
Location: Ringwood, Hampshire
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary: Up to £49,000 (inclusive of car allowance)
25 days annual leave + public holidays
Join Our Team
Colten are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Buyer to join our residential and care home Development and Refurbishment team based in Ringwood, Hampshire.
The Role
Reporting to the Commercial Manager, you will play a key role in supporting the commercial and procurement functions across a variety of care home and housing development and refurbishment projects. This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career in quantity surveying and buying within a compact hands-on team in a modern office environment.
As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Buyer, you will actively assist in managing the commercial aspects of projects from procurement through to final account, helping to safeguard the company's financial position while ensuring projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. The role will demand that you work independently but with the support of the Commercial Manager and Construction Director.
Key Responsibilities
- Procurement of subcontractors and construction materials.
- Assist in preparing and distributing tender and contract documentation.
- Negotiate competitive prices and terms with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Maintain the master services and procurement workload tracker.
- Support the commercial management of projects from procurement through to final account.
- Process subcontract orders, valuations, payments and variations.
- Issue out the latest drawings and documentation to subcontractors and suppliers to ensure they are working to the latest information on site.
- Monitor project costs, budgets and cash flow, contributing to accurate monthly cost reporting.
- Maintain procurement schedules and commercial records throughout each project.
- Attend project and commercial meetings, providing updates on project costs and commercial performance.
- The role will be office based but will require regular site visits to monitor progress and ensure that materials are on site to meet the build programme.
- Ensure compliance with company procedures and policies.
About You
You will be organised, commercially aware and eager to develop your career within the construction industry. Ideally, you'll have previous experience in a Quantity Surveying, Buying or Commercial role and possess excellent communication, negotiation and organisational skills. A relevant qualification (or working towards one) in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline would be advantageous, along with knowledge of procurement processes, subcontract administration and construction contracts.
Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Buyer in Hampshire employer: COLTEN CARE LIMITED
Colten is an exceptional employer that fosters a supportive and collaborative work culture, ideal for those looking to grow their careers in quantity surveying and procurement. Located in the picturesque Ringwood, Hampshire, our modern office environment offers 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays, ensuring a healthy work-life balance while you contribute to meaningful residential and care home projects. With opportunities for professional development and a hands-on team approach, you'll find a rewarding career path with us.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Buyer in Hampshire
✨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 COLTEN CARE LIMITED, 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 Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Buyer at COLTEN CARE LIMITED.
We think you need these skills to ace Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Buyer in Hampshire
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 COLTEN CARE LIMITED
✨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!
