At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing contracts and financial forecasting for exciting infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in sustainable infrastructure development.
- Benefits: Gain hands-on experience, mentoring, and support towards professional qualifications.
- Other info: Opportunities to work across various sectors and locations in the UK.
- Why this job: Be part of transformative projects that improve lives and the environment.
- Qualifications: Must have or expect a 2:1 in Quantity Surveying or equivalent.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are looking for candidates who are willing to locate to a variety of locations based in Peterborough and surrounding area, where they can develop and extend their skills and capabilities in this exciting discipline. This would be for September 2027 intake.
The Anglian Water Strategic Pipeline Alliance (SPA) project currently involves the planning, design and construction of circa 320km of new strategic, large diameter, clean water interconnector pipelines and associated infrastructure across Anglian Water’s region. The SPA Alliance is also taking on responsibility for the future interconnector pipelines, a further 260km of strategic interconnector pipelines and associated infrastructure.
At Costain, we help to improve people’s lives by creating connected, sustainable infrastructure that enables people and the planet to thrive. We work together to shape, create, and deliver pioneering solutions that transform the performance of the UK’s infrastructure ecosystem across energy, water, transportation and defence markets. Through our collaboration with customers, partners, communities, and wider industry we will deliver an infrastructure fit for a better future.
Costain's Graduate Development Programme
The programme will focus on helping you to grow your personal and leadership skills, alongside business and of course, the technical skills you will learn day-to-day on the job. The programme is delivered in a variety of formats throughout the 2 years and will allow you to establish a network of contacts that will help and support you through your first 2 years and beyond. We expect some of our graduates to rotate after a period of 8-12 months, to another project/sector of the business to fully understand the depth and breadth of the services offered by the company. Our line managers are fully supportive of the Graduate Development Programme and will be involved in helping you along the way. In addition to the programme, we offer mentoring and support in every area of work, as well as a structured training programme to enable graduates to work towards achieving Chartership. Graduates may have the opportunity to work on a number of exciting and progressive projects around the UK during the 2-year period, in sectors including nuclear, highways, rail, water, airports and tunnels.
Extra information
Please note that for some of our roles, and in order to rotate around the business as part of the graduate scheme, you may be required to obtain and maintain security clearance of at least Security Check level (or SC clearance). To satisfy the requirements, you will need to have been a legal UK resident for a minimum of 5 years and be able to successfully complete the vetting process.
Responsibilities
- Assist the Quantity Surveyor in preparing Subcontracts and ensuring they reflect agreed scope.
- Ensure Subcontracts are properly managed in accordance with contract requirements including compliance with all responses to communications, payments, early warnings, compensation event, programme submissions etc., that all contract files are maintained and kept up to date.
- Work closely with the Quantity Surveyor, Procurement team, Construction Manager and Project Manager to develop and monitor procurement strategy.
- Work closely with the site team, attending site regularly to ensure they are aware of and can manage the allowances and outputs, provide robust challenge to achieve outperformance, communicate change control and escalate when necessary.
- Assist the Quantity Surveyor in producing accurate live forecasting by working with complex workbooks, ensuring alignment with the programme and reporting in accordance with the relevant Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and Cost Breakdown Structure (CBS).
- Actual costs are monitored and assessed against baseline, value or work done, solution cost progress, affordability challenges and final outturn calculations, reporting either weekly or otherwise as agreed with the Quantity Surveyor/ Project Commercial Manager whilst observing Alliance governance.
- Assist the Quantity Surveyor in ensuring all efficiencies are reflected in the reporting tools provided, to the Clients timeline.
- Provide reports on actual costs vs. Estimate and identifying underlying reasons for any variance and resolutions in particular highlight, challenge and resolve variance to latest plans.
- Records of deliveries (GRN’s) are undertaken in a timely manner in accordance with both Anglian Water and Partner requirements as necessary.
- Work with the integrated delivery team to assist with project and programme risk mitigation plans are considered, put in place and administered.
- Assist the Quantity Surveyor in ensuring that the Alliance Contract is properly administered including timely issue of early warnings, Contractual notices etc.
- Any other duties as designated by the Quantity Surveyor, Project Commercial Manager, or Commercial Manager.
- Assist the Quantity Surveyor in ensuring that all project team members (including site staff) understand the contractual arrangements, in order to satisfy Client and Partner organisation requirements.
- Working in collaboration with the delivery team to identify, implement and monitor efficiency plans throughout the lifecycle of a project or programme of projects.
- Ensuring that proper records are kept and maintained so financial information for audits and cost assurance is readily available.
- Assist the Quantity Surveyor in producing Financial Accounts.
- Drive a culture of continuous improvement in Health & Safety (H&S), ensuring consistent H&S standards are maintained.
- Ensure completion of a full Induction to H&S in accordance with Company policies, procedures, standards &/or guidance.
- Ensure adherence to safe working practices including completing audits in line with schedule.
- Monitor and maintain compliance with the Working Time Directive.
- Ensure you are compliant with the use of mandatory safety monitoring equipment, near miss reporting and compliance with the company procedures.
- Maintain H&S standards to enable a zero-accident culture.
- Actively work with your team, line manager and the H&S Team to improve upon H&S procedures where possible.
- Report all near misses through the appropriate channel to prevent future accidents.
Knowledge, Skills and Experience
- Extensive IT knowledge (particularly MS Excel)
- Excellent communication skills
- Team Player
- Good organisational skills and the ability to prioritise
- Positive attitude and ability to integrate into teams
- Have passion for Costain's Carbon Net Zero targets
- IT proficient
- Able to work accurately and appreciate its importance to the team
- A willingness to learn with appropriate instruction
- Excel at building and maintaining positive relationships
- The ability to thrive in pressured situations
- The ability to empathise and communicate with all people, regardless of their background or circumstances
- Excellent organisation, communication, and time management skills
Qualifications
- You will have or expected to achieve a good result in a Quantity Surveyor degree or equivalent (Minimum 2:1 achieved or expected)
- Hold an RICS/CICES accredited degree, or enrolled on an accredited part-time post-graduate degree with at some relevant experience
- Enrolled and working towards Full Membership of either RICS or CICES
- Full UK Driving Licence
- Mobility to work on various projects over the 2-year programme throughout the UK
*Please note that if you are invited to interview, we will require you to produce your passport and/or right to work documentation. As some of our project sites are based in remote locations, it is worth noting that you will be required to have the ability to travel to site.
Graduate Quantity Surveyor 2027 - SPA in Peterborough employer: Costain Group
Costain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the water sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and the chance to work on significant projects that make a real impact. Our home-based role allows for flexibility while being part of a supportive team dedicated to delivering excellence in civil engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Quantity Surveyor 2027 - SPA in Peterborough
✨Get Hands-On with Local Projects
Dive into local construction projects or community initiatives. Not only will you gain hands-on experience, but you'll also meet industry professionals who might know about internships at companies like Costain Group. Plus, showing direct interest can make you stand out!
✨Leverage University Career Fairs
Make the most of your university career services and attend career fairs specifically targeting the construction sector. Companies often showcase internships at these events, and it’s the perfect chance to connect directly with recruiters from firms like Costain Group.
✨Join Industry-Related Groups
Check out local or university-based construction clubs and networks. Engaging with these communities can provide insights into internship opportunities and allow you to meet peers and professionals who might have insider knowledge about openings at companies like Costain Group.
✨Show Off Your Skills Online
Don’t forget to build an online portfolio showcasing any projects you’ve worked on, be it in school or through personal initiatives. This is especially valuable in construction, where visual evidence of your work can really impress internship providers like Costain Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Quantity Surveyor 2027 - SPA in Peterborough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Coursework:In your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant coursework or projects related to construction. This could include design, engineering, or even construction management classes. It helps us see your academic foundation and enthusiasm for the field!
Highlight Your Skills and Certifications:Construction internships often value safety certifications, technical skills, or proficiency with specific software (like AutoCAD). If you have any of these, don’t forget to mention them! We love seeing applicants who come prepared to contribute to our team.
Emphasise Your Eagerness to Learn:As it's an internship, it’s really important to convey your motivation and eagerness to learn in your cover letter. Let us know how this opportunity at Costain Group aligns with your career goals in construction, and why you’re excited about the chance to gain hands-on experience!
Tailor Your Application to Costain Group:Take a minute to research Costain Group and mention specific projects or values that resonate with you in your application. Customising your application shows that you’re genuinely interested in being part of our team and not just sending out a generic CV!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group
✨Know Your Industry Basics
Before stepping into the interview at Costain Group, brush up on key construction principles, terminology, and the specific projects they've worked on. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also your understanding of the industry, which is crucial for an internship role.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
As an intern, you may be asked about the tools and software commonly used in construction, like AutoCAD or other design programs. If you've had any exposure or courses related to these tools, make sure to highlight that! It’ll prove you’ve got the foundation they’re looking for.
✨Demonstrate Your Learning Mindset
As an intern, the focus should be on your potential to learn and adapt. Be ready to discuss how you’ve overcome challenges in other academic or practical projects. Employers want to see your eagerness to grow within the role at Costain Group.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that put you in real-life situations you might face on site. Think about how you’d handle teamwork challenges or safety issues. This is a chance to show your problem-solving skills, which are super important in the construction field!