Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)
Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)

Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)

Slough Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage financial aspects of diverse development projects and provide expert cost advice.
  • Company: Criterion Capital, a dynamic firm with a focus on innovative construction solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional growth, and the chance to work on exciting projects.
  • Why this job: Join a collaborative team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
  • Qualifications: Degree in quantity surveying and 5-7 years of relevant experience required.
  • Other info: Full-time office role in Central London with excellent career progression opportunities.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

Criterion Capital are seeking an experienced and dynamic Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) to join our in-house preconstruction team. The successful candidate will play a key role in managing the financial aspects of our development projects, ensuring they are delivered within budget, and providing expert advice on feasibility cost planning, procurement strategies, contract administration and value engineering. This position offers the opportunity to work on a diverse range of projects and contribute to the growth and success of our business. Projects across the portfolio include commercial to hotel conversions, mixed use residential, private residential refurbishments.

Responsibilities:

  • Cost Planning & Estimating – Prepare detailed cost plans and estimates during the feasibility and design stages of projects.
  • Tender Management – Prepare tender documents, manage procurement processes, and conduct tender evaluations.
  • Contract Administration – Advise on and prepare construction contracts / consultant appointments, including variations.
  • Value Engineering – Provide cost-effective solutions and alternatives to ensure maximum value for money.
  • Risk Management – Identify commercial risks and assist in developing mitigation strategies.
  • Client Interaction – Act as the primary point of contact for clients on all cost-related matters, attending meetings and presenting reports.
  • Project Management Support – Work alongside the pre-construction project managers, architects, and engineers to ensure alignment on budgetary goals.

Qualifications & Experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, Construction Management, or related discipline.
  • Professional accreditation with a recognized institution (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, CIQS, or equivalent).
  • Minimum 5-7 years’ experience in a Quantity Surveying role, preferably within a consultancy or client-side environment.
  • Strong knowledge of standard forms of contract (JCT, NEC, etc.).
  • Proficient in cost estimation software and MS Office Suite.
  • Excellent analytical, numerical, and negotiation skills.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills.
  • Desirable skill – Familiar with use of BIM and digital cost estimating tools – Bluebeam

Due to the collaborative nature of the role and to assist candidates with their progression we require all staff to be based full time at the office in Central London.

Candidates must be able to prove their eligibility to work permanently in the UK and have fluent written and spoken English.

If you would like to apply for either position, please submit your CV with examples of your work compiled into 1 PDF (maximum 10MB).

Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS) employer: Criterion Capital

Criterion Capital is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, providing Professional Quantity Surveyors with the opportunity to engage in diverse and impactful projects across Central London. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, we offer continuous professional development and support for obtaining further qualifications, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to the success of our dynamic portfolio. Our commitment to excellence and value engineering not only enhances project outcomes but also creates a rewarding environment for our employees.
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Contact Detail:

Criterion Capital Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and quantity surveying sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching Criterion Capital and their projects. Understand their values and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a PQS, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage costs effectively. Role-play common interview scenarios with a friend to build confidence in discussing financial strategies and value engineering.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!

We think you need these skills to ace Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)

Cost Planning
Estimating
Tender Management
Contract Administration
Value Engineering
Risk Management
Client Interaction
Project Management Support
Analytical Skills
Numerical Skills
Negotiation Skills
Communication Skills
Proficient in Cost Estimation Software
MS Office Suite
Familiar with BIM and Digital Cost Estimating Tools

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the PQS role. Highlight your experience in cost planning, contract administration, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage budgets and deliver projects successfully. This will help us see the value you can bring to our team.

Keep It Professional: While we love a friendly tone, remember to keep your application professional. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We want to understand your expertise without getting lost in technical terms!

Submit as One PDF: When you're ready to apply, compile your CV and work examples into one PDF file (max 10MB). This makes it easier for us to review your application. And don’t forget to apply through our website – it’s the best way to get noticed!

How to prepare for a job interview at Criterion Capital

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Professional Quantity Surveyor, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning and estimating. Brush up on your knowledge of cost estimation software and be ready to discuss specific projects where you successfully managed budgets. Bring examples of detailed cost plans you've prepared to showcase your skills.

✨Master the Contracts

Familiarise yourself with standard forms of contract like JCT and NEC. Be prepared to discuss how you've navigated contract administration in past roles. Highlight any experiences where you’ve advised on variations or managed procurement processes, as this will show your depth of understanding in contract management.

✨Showcase Your Communication Skills

Since client interaction is key in this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare to discuss how you’ve acted as a primary point of contact for clients in previous positions. Use examples that illustrate your ability to present reports and engage effectively in meetings.

✨Demonstrate Value Engineering Expertise

Value engineering is all about providing cost-effective solutions. Think of instances where you’ve identified commercial risks and developed mitigation strategies. Be ready to share how your innovative approaches have maximised value for money in past projects, as this will resonate well with Criterion Capital's goals.

Professional Quantity Surveyor (PQS)
Criterion Capital

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