Job-ID: 103472Category: CommercialLocation: London, United Kingdom; Birmingham, West Midlands, United KingdomWorkplace: HybridPosted: 2026-10-27Contract Type: PermanentDriving Required: NoSecurity Clearance Required: NoThe Alliance Delivery Team (ADT) sits at the centre of the Rail Systems Alliance (RSA) for HS2, bringing together expertise from HS2 and its delivery partners to enable the successful delivery of the railway's systems. The ADT acts as an integrating function across multiple major contracts, aligning plans, resolving interfaces, and driving "best for programme" outcomes.
This, towards the Alliance's objective of delivering the railway into Operation. The ADT plays a central role in translating this ambition into reality – coordinating across disciplines and organisations to ensure that plans, processes and ways of working come together into a coherent, efficient delivery system. Operating in a multi‐partner environment, the ADT plays a critical role in integrating programmes, managing interdependencies, identifying risks and opportunities, and enabling collaboration across organisational boundaries.
The ADT is currently in a mobilisation and scaling phase. This is a dynamic and fast‐paced environment, where roles are focused on building and embedding the foundations of how the Alliance will operate now and in the future, alongside delivering immediate priorities. Working in the ADT requires comfort shaping through ambiguity, the ability to build and improve ways of working, and a collaborative mindset focused on achieving the best outcomes for the overall programme.
Ultimately, the work of the ADT contributes to the successful delivery of HS2 – the most significant addition to the rail network in over a century – helping to transform how people and goods move around the country, support economic growth, and leave a lasting national legacy.
QualificationsDegree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. ResponsibilitiesKey Responsibilities: The Senior Quantity Surveyor will support the Alliance Delivery Team commercial function in the following areas, noting that these responsibilities may evolve as the ADT organisation further develops: Value Management and Cost Control: Contribute to the Initial Value Management (IVM) Process for each Stage, including supporting the development and acceptance of the Annual Alliance Plan and Z Activities Budget.
Assist in managing and monitoring the Y Activities Target, Z Activities Target, and Alliance Managed Risk Budget, ensuring adjustments are made in accordance with the Alliance Agreement.
Support value management, innovation, and continuous improvement initiatives generally.
Aid in coordinating and managing the financial implications of change management and control processes for X and Y Activities, ensuring all Alliance Decisions affecting Rail Systems Contracts are documented, approved, and recorded.
Contractual Compliance and Administration: Help ensure adherence to the terms and conditions of the HS2 Rail Systems Alliance Agreement and the underlying Rail Systems Contracts.
Support the management of compensation events and their impact on programme baselines and financial forecasts.
Provide commercial input and support for the resolution of any conflicts, ambiguities, discrepancies, or inconsistencies between the Alliance Agreement and Rail Systems Contracts.
Commercial Management of Alliance Activities: Assist in the commercial oversight of X, Y, and Z Activities as defined within the Alliance Agreement and associated Rail Systems Contracts.
Support the ADT PMO with overall Alliance Cost Management, including the development of reporting, forecasting, and lead indicator procedures, to support the early identification of emerging issues and risks.
Support the ADT PMO with the review of monthly Alliance Cost data, making commercial recommendations as required.
Reporting and Performance Management: Assist in performance management by providing commercial data and analysis related to Alliance KPIs.
Support the preparation and presentation of commercial reports to relevant stakeholders.
Risk Management: Support the identification, management, and mitigation of Alliance Managed Risks from a commercial perspective, assisting with appropriate budget allocation and adjustments.
Assist with the Alliance Agreement Early Warning and Supervening Event management to ensure Risks are actively managed and mitigated.
Collaboration and Stakeholder Engagement: Collaborate effectively with Alliance members, HS2 representatives, Project Managers, and other relevant stakeholders to achieve commercial objectives.
Assist in the efficient procurement and deployment of common and shared utilities, equipment, and materials.
Support the objectives of other ADT members from a commercial perspective.
Knowledge, Skills, and ExperienceSkills Contract administration and change control management. Commercial reporting and data analysis. Risk management and mitigation. Stakeholder engagement and collaborative working. Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel. Familiarity with quantity surveying and commercial management systems. KnowledgeGood understanding of NEC contracts, alliance agreements or collaborative contracting models. Knowledge of target cost mechanisms and defined cost management. Understanding of programme controls, cost reporting and performance measurement. Knowledge of commercial risk management principles. Awareness of BIM and digital engineering approaches is desirable. Progress towards professional accreditation (e.g. MRICS) is desirable.
Type of experience Quantity Surveyor on large-scale infrastructure programmes, preferably within rail.
Supporting the commercial management of complex, multi-stakeholder projects.
Cost control, forecasting, change management and financial reporting.
Contributing to value engineering and continuous improvement initiatives.
Working within integrated project teams and collaborative delivery models.
Behavioural competencies Delivery focused and committed to achieving programme objectives. Collaborative and relationship-oriented, with the ability to work effectively across organisational boundaries. Commercially astute with sound judgement and attention to detail. Proactive in identifying risks, opportunities and areas for improvement. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. Effective communicator, able to present commercial information clearly and confidently.
Adaptable and comfortable working in a dynamic and evolving Alliance environment. About the companyCostain helps to improve people's lives with integrated, leading edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK's energy, water, transportation and defence markets. We help our clients improve their business performance by increasing capacity, improving customer service, safeguarding security, enhancing resilience, decarbonising and delivering increased efficiency. Our vision is to be the UK's leading smart infrastructure solutions company.
We will achieve this by focusing on blue chip clients whose major spending plans are underpinned by strategic national needs, regulatory commitments, legislation or essential performance requirements. We offer our clients leading edge solutions that are digitally optimised through the following five services which cover the whole lifecycle of their assets: future-shaping strategic consultancy; consultancy and advisory; digital technology solutions; asset optimisation and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.
Costain appreciate the time and effort taken when applying for one of our positions but, due to the high volume of responses, we are unable to provide individual feedback on candidates at application phase.
We do share individual feedback following an interview.
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that disclose they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer.
It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
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Senior Quantity Surveyor -Rail Systems Alliance in London employer: Costain
Costain is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises employee growth and development within the vibrant environment of London Heathrow. As a leader in smart infrastructure solutions, we provide our team with unique opportunities to engage in transformative projects that contribute to a sustainable future, while fostering strong relationships across diverse stakeholders. Our commitment to safety, inclusivity, and professional advancement makes us an attractive choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
