At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management on exciting projects in New York City, from planning to final accounts.
- Company: Join a global consultancy with nearly 200 years of experience in project and cost management.
- Benefits: Full visa sponsorship, relocation support, and the chance to work on high-profile developments.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and mentorship in a collaborative team environment.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in one of the world's most dynamic construction markets.
- Qualifications: 5-12 years of PQS experience, ideally chartered (MRICS) or close to it.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: New York City
Visa & relocation support for UK / Irish cost managers.
Ready to take your quantity surveying career to New York? You’ve cut your teeth in UK cost consultancy. You know your way around complex commercial, residential or hospitality schemes. You’re operating at Project / Senior / AD level, but every project is starting to feel a bit samey and you’re unclear what the future opportunity looks like.
This move puts you in one of the world’s most dynamic construction markets, working on bigger, faster, more complex projects – and being trusted to shape how cost management is done on the ground. It’s a chance to swap incremental change for a genuine step‑change in responsibility, exposure and lifestyle.
Why make the move?
- New York projects, not just New York postcards: Work on high‑profile office interiors, hospitality, leisure, and residential developments, with the scale and pace you simply don’t see in most UK regional markets.
- More responsibility, earlier: Come in at Senior Cost Manager, own multiple projects, sit in front of clients, and have a direct say in how they invest millions, not just how they write instructions.
- Use your PQS discipline where it’s in short supply: The US is experiencing a surge in large‑scale projects and has a relatively small pool of chartered cost professionals, so UK‑trained QSs can make a disproportionate impact.
- Lifestyle and experience: Swap commuting to industrial estates for weekly site meetings on skyline‑changing schemes in one of the most recognisable cities on earth. Spend the next few years building a unique CV – and a life – in New York, then decide what’s next.
- Support to make it real: Full work visa sponsorship is available for eligible UK / Irish candidates, with a relocation package to help you land well and focus on the job from day one, including visa for partners/family.
The business
You’ll be joining an independent global consultancy that has specialised in project, cost and construction management for nearly two centuries, with its US headquarters in New York and offices across the major US markets. They’ve delivered billions of dollars’ worth of development across commercial offices, hospitality, leisure, and residential, and are known for long‑term, repeat client relationships rather than one‑off wins.
In New York, the cost management team is growing fast, with a mix of UK‑trained and US‑trained professionals delivering multiple concurrent projects for blue‑chip clients.
The role
Title will depend on experience (Cost Manager, Senior Cost Manager, Associate Director or Director), but in all cases you will:
- Lead cost management on multiple projects, from early feasibility and cost planning through to final account.
- Own budgets, cost plans, forecasting and reporting, providing clear recommendations to clients.
- Work in a faster‑paced environment where clients value timely, commercially focused advice over “perfect” reports, and where lump‑sum contracts and fewer detailed BOQs are the norm.
- Attend and lead design and client meetings, representing the cost management function and challenging assumptions where needed.
- Mentor and develop junior team members, contributing to a collaborative, high‑performance culture.
At more senior levels (AD / Director), you’ll also:
- Take a visible leadership role across the team and key accounts.
- Play a part in business development – repeat work, new opportunities, and helping shape how the New York cost management offer grows.
- Influence internal best practice, tools and processes as the team scales.
About you
You’re likely to be:
- Currently working for a PQS / cost consultancy or client‑side team in the UK or Ireland.
- Operating at strong Cost Manager / Senior Cost Manager / Associate Director level, with roughly 5–12 years’ relevant experience (flexible for the right person).
- Chartered (MRICS) or close to it, comfortable owning cost advice and defending your position with clients and contractors.
- Happy to swap some UK “polish” for New York pace – you can still be rigorous, but you’re pragmatic and commercially minded.
- Motivated by the idea of a genuine change – new country, new market, new way of working – rather than just a pay bump.
There is also room for an experienced late‑career cost leader (c. 50s) who wants a defined, delivery‑focused Director role on major projects, without the expectation of building a big team or chasing partnership.
What next?
If you’re a UK or Irish cost manager who’s been quietly thinking “If I ever move abroad, it’ll be for something big,” this is that moment. You don’t need US experience. You do need a strong PQS track record, the confidence to step into a more fluid “cost manager” remit, and the appetite to build a chapter of your career – and life – in New York. Get in touch in confidence for a detailed brief covering the team, projects, visa/relocation support and interview process.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Wolverhampton employer: Contract Scotland
Join a leading independent global consultancy in New York City, where you can elevate your quantity surveying career by working on high-profile projects that shape the skyline. With full visa sponsorship and relocation support for UK and Irish cost managers, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that values timely, commercially focused advice and offers ample opportunities for professional growth. Experience the dynamic pace of one of the world's most exciting construction markets while mentoring junior team members and influencing best practices in a thriving environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Wolverhampton
✨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 Contract Scotland, 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 Senior Quantity Surveyor at Contract Scotland.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Wolverhampton
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 Contract Scotland
✨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!