Assistant Quantity Surveyor Colchester £30,000–£45,000 + Package Curve Recruitment are proud to be partnering with a highly respected main contractor in their search for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team in Colchester. Our client delivers a diverse range of projects across the commercial, education, healthcare, residential, heritage and public sectors, covering both refurbishment and new build schemes. Projects typically range from £1m to £6m and are delivered under JCT Traditional and Design & Build contracts. The successful candidate will support the commercial team with the financial management of projects, gaining experience from procurement through to final account. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious Assistant Quantity Surveyor who is keen to develop their commercial skills and progress their career with the support of an experienced team. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES * Assisting with the commercial management of multiple live projects. * Supporting procurement activities and the preparation of final accounts. * Assisting with monthly CVRs and project margin forecasts. * Preparing subcontractor enquiries, tender comparisons and procurement schedules. * Assisting with subcontractor valuations, payments and variations. * Monitoring project costs and supporting effective cost control. * Helping to produce accurate commercial reports and forecasts. * Supporting the identification of commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle. * Building strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors and suppliers. * Working alongside the commercial team to ensure compliance with contractual obligations and company procedures. ABOUT YOU * Previous experience in an Assistant Quantity Surveying or similar commercial role, ideally with a main contractor. * Working towards, or holding, a relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. * An understanding of JCT contracts, including Traditional and Design & Build, would be advantageous. * Good commercial awareness and a willingness to learn. * Excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills. * Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective working relationships. * A proactive approach and the ambition to take on greater responsibility as your experience develops. * Experience across a range of sectors would be advantageous, although not essential. APPLY For further information or a confidential discussion about this role, please apply directly or contact James at Curve Recruitment. If you’re considering your next move within white-collar construction, we’d also welcome a conversation about other opportunities that match your experience and career goals. We recruit for roles including Graduate Quantity Surveyor, Junior Quantity Surveyor, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Quantity Surveyor and Senior Quantity Surveyor. Whilst we endeavour to respond to every application individually, high volumes may mean this is not always possible. Thank you for your interest in this opportunity
Assistant QS in Colchester employer: Curve Recruitment
Join a highly respected regional contractor in Cambridgeshire, where your expertise as a Contracts Manager will be valued in a collaborative and supportive work culture. With a strong pipeline of projects and a commitment to employee growth, this company offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact while enjoying the benefits of working with a loyal client base and a team dedicated to high-quality delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Assistant QS in Colchester
✨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 Curve Recruitment, 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 Assistant QS at Curve Recruitment.
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 Curve Recruitment
✨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!
