At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts and ensure compliance while optimising costs for HS2's high-speed railway project.
- Company: Join Costain, a leader in smart infrastructure solutions across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to work on groundbreaking projects.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative project that will shape the future of transportation in the UK.
- Qualifications: RICS/CICES accredited degree and commercial experience in construction.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
HS2 is Great Britain's new high-speed railway. Once operational, HS2's trains will provide journeys between Birmingham and London, with services continuing on to Manchester, the North West and Scotland using the conventional railway. The new route comprises 140 miles of track, four stations, two depots, 32 miles of tunnel, and 130 bridges. The first HS2 services will run between Birmingham Curzon Street and Old Oak Common in London between 2029 and 2033.
Costain has successfully pre-qualified and now tendered two of these packages worth multiple hundreds of millions:
- Package 2: Tunnel and Lineside Mechanical & Electrical Fitout
- Package 3: High Voltage Traction and Non-Traction Power Distribution
For Package 2 we are prime and for Package 3 we are working in an integrated 50:50 joint venture with Siemens Mobility Ltd. Both have staff organisations that peak between 125 – 175 FTE and workforces in excess of 500 people.
Costain 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
- Complex programme delivery
Our culture and values underpin everything we do.
Key Responsibilities:
- Undertaking the efficient and effective management and issuing of accurate, timely and compliant notices and correspondence.
- Ensuring contractual and commercial risks and opportunities are identified to the Contract Leader.
- Preparation and agreement of applications for payment or the assessment & preparation of payment certificates.
- Maintaining registers of variations, delay, extension times and claims.
- Compliant and consistent implementation of the Company's commercial policies and procedures.
- Assist with preparation of monthly progress valuations and claims for work completed.
- Interfacing with Customer's commercial and project teams.
- Produce pre-Contract tender negotiations & reports where necessary.
- Produce monthly cost reports, forecasts, and Contract Leader Reports.
- Review value management and advise on Risk management.
- Prepare supply chain enquiries, negotiate, administer, and finalise / close out supply chain contracts.
- Plan and implement change management and cost control.
- Monitor and update supply chain procurement plan including benchmarking.
- Ongoing liaison with site team, supply chain and Customers' representatives.
- Provide contractual advice to the project / site team as and when appropriate.
- Maintaining awareness of the different construction contracts in current use.
- Understanding the implications of health, safety, and environmental regulations.
- Ensure all health, safety and environmental risk situations are brought to the attention of Contract Leader / Project Manager.
Knowledge, Skills, and Experience:
Essential:
- Post-graduate commercial experience in the construction industry with demonstrable track record of achievement.
- Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen.
- Practical approach, logical thought process and a methodical way of working.
- Extensive experience of setting up and/or operating office management systems including filing systems and document control and distribution.
- Extensive experience of technical minute taking at contractual meetings and able to demonstrate the ability to collate information, prepare reports, payment certificates and interim financial reports and closeout reports.
- Extensive experience of drafting effective contractual correspondence and the facilitation of collaborative solutions.
- Proven negotiating and team-working skills with the ability to motivate and lead a team.
- Strong analytical skills.
- Demonstrable legal, contractual and construction knowledge.
- Confidence and ability to assert influence.
Desirable:
- A creative and innovative approach to problem solving.
- Experience of developing & implementing procurement and contract strategies.
Full time
Posting Date: 2026-04-29
Senior Quantity Surveyor - Rail 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor - Rail
✨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 Costain, 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 - Rail at Costain.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor - Rail
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 Costain
✨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!
