At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost planning and commercial management for exciting development projects.
- Company: Join Criterion Capital, a dynamic in-house contracting team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and hands-on project ownership.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to drive solutions and enhance skills.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse construction projects and challenge the status quo.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field with 3+ years' experience.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Criterion Capital is seeking a dynamic and experienced Pre-Construction Quantity Surveyor to join our in-house contracting team and play a key role in preparing development projects for construction.
Working across office-to-hotel conversions, PRS and mixed-use residential developments, and private residential refurbishments, you will provide commercial and cost leadership throughout pre-construction, working closely with the development, design, construction, asset management and operations teams.
This is a hands-on role for someone who takes ownership, challenges assumptions and drives projects forward, ensuring projects are commercially robust, appropriately costed and ready for successful delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cost planning and commercial management throughout pre-construction, including feasibility estimates, budgets, cost plans and forecasts.
- Undertake cost benchmarking, elemental analysis and market testing to support development and investment decisions.
- Review design information and identify cost implications, commercial risks, value engineering and cost optimisation opportunities.
- Develop procurement strategies, package scopes, tender documentation, pricing schedules and Bills of Quantities.
- Lead tendering activities, including tender analysis, commercial recommendations and subcontractor/supplier negotiations.
- Maintain strong control of scope, cost, procurement and commercial risk, including assumptions, exclusions, provisional sums, inflation and market conditions.
- Challenge consultants, designers and contractors on cost, buildability and value, ensuring decisions remain aligned with project objectives.
- Maintain accurate cost plans, procurement trackers and commercial records, providing clear reporting to senior management.
- Work collaboratively across development, design, construction, asset management and operations teams.
- Support the transition into Construction, ensuring budgets, procurement information, package values and commercial risks are clearly handed over.
About You
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
- 3+ years' Quantity Surveying experience, with strong pre-construction, estimating, cost planning or commercial experience.
- Experience within a developer, main contractor, consultancy or in-house contracting environment.
- Proven experience in cost planning, tender analysis, procurement, value engineering and negotiation.
- Existing-building, refurbishment, hotel, residential or PRS experience would be advantageous.
- Strong understanding of construction costs, procurement, design development, buildability and the UK subcontractor market.
- Strong commercial, analytical, numerical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with confidence to challenge assumptions and drive solutions.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and construction/commercial software such as Procore.
- RICS qualification or progress towards chartership would be advantageous.
- The Person
We are looking for a hands-on commercial professional who takes ownership and is accountable for outcomes.
You will
- Challenge incomplete or unrealistic cost information and drive practical solutions.
- Identify commercial risks early and resolve issues before they impact projects.
- Maintain firm control of cost, scope, procurement and risk.
- Understand the impact of design decisions on cost, programme and buildability.
- Confidently challenge consultants, contractors and design teams.
- Identify opportunities to save time and cost without compromising quality or project objectives.
- Drive actions to closure and maintain accountability across project teams.
- Operate effectively across development, design, construction, asset management and operations.
Ultimately, you will ensure projects reach Construction with clear budgets, appropriate procurement strategies, robust cost information and commercial risks identified and managed.
Quantity Surveyor - Preconstruction in Slough employer: Criterion Capital
Criterion Capital is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture, ideal for professionals seeking to make a significant impact in the property development sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth and development, the company offers unique opportunities to lead diverse projects while ensuring adherence to high standards of design and compliance. Located in a vibrant area, employees benefit from a supportive environment that values creativity and teamwork, making it a rewarding place to advance your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor - Preconstruction in Slough
✨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 Criterion Capital, 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 Quantity Surveyor - Preconstruction at Criterion Capital.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor - Preconstruction in Slough
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 Criterion Capital
✨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!
