At a Glance
- Tasks: Support social housing projects by managing contracts and ensuring cost-effective delivery.
- Company: Join a growing organisation dedicated to improving social housing in Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, stable role, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the community while developing your skills in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantity surveying or related fields, with strong knowledge of SOR contracts.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on professional development.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Sector: Social Housing
Location: Essex
Contract: Permanent
Salary: £45,000 - £55,000 per annum
About the Role
We are looking for a motivated Junior Quantity Surveyor to join our growing team, supporting the delivery of social housing maintenance and improvement works across Essex. This role is ideal for someone with solid experience in Schedule of Rates (SOR) contracts and early exposure to contract management within a social housing or maintenance environment. You will work closely with senior commercial staff, contractors, and operational teams to ensure works are delivered efficiently, cost-effectively, and in line with contractual and regulatory requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the commercial management of responsive repairs, planned maintenance, and minor works contracts within social housing
- Manage and validate contractor applications and valuations using SOR frameworks (e.g. NHF or similar)
- Monitor costs, budgets, and forecasts, highlighting risks and opportunities
- Support contract administration, including variations, compensation events, and change control
- Carry out cost checks, post-inspections, and value-for-money assessments
- Liaise with contractors, housing officers, and internal stakeholders to resolve commercial and contractual issues
- Assist with final accounts and reporting
- Ensure compliance with contract terms, policies, and relevant legislation
Essential Skills & Experience
- Previous experience working as a Junior Quantity Surveyor or Assistant QS within social housing, housing maintenance, or a similar environment
- Strong working knowledge of SOR-based contracts and pricing mechanisms
- Experience supporting or managing contracts, including variations and valuations
- Good commercial awareness and attention to detail
- Ability to communicate effectively with contractors and internal teams
- Competent with Excel and commercial systems
Desirable
- Experience working with NHF Schedule of Rates
- Knowledge of responsive repairs and planned works contracts
- Experience working for or with local authorities or housing associations
What We Offer
- Competitive salary of £45,000 - £55,000
- Permanent, stable role within a growing organisation
- Opportunities for progression and professional development
- Supportive team environment
Junior Quantity Surveyor employer: Daniel Owen Ltd
Contact Detail:
Daniel Owen Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Junior Quantity Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the social housing sector, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Junior Quantity Surveyor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of SOR contracts and recent projects in social housing. We want you to showcase your expertise and passion for the field, so practice answering common interview questions with confidence.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on companies that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for openings that excite you, and tailor your approach to show why you’re the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and gives you another chance to highlight your skills as a Junior Quantity Surveyor.
We think you need these skills to ace Junior Quantity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Junior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your experience with SOR contracts and any relevant projects you've worked on in social housing. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about social housing and how your background makes you a great fit for our team. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your commercial awareness and attention to detail in your application. Mention specific tools or systems you’ve used, especially if they relate to contract management or cost monitoring. We appreciate candidates who know their stuff!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be set!
How to prepare for a job interview at Daniel Owen Ltd
✨Know Your SOR Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of Schedule of Rates (SOR) contracts. Be prepared to discuss how you've used them in previous roles, and think of specific examples where you managed or validated contractor applications using SOR frameworks.
✨Show Off Your Commercial Awareness
During the interview, highlight your understanding of cost management and budget monitoring. Bring examples of how you've identified risks and opportunities in past projects, as this will demonstrate your ability to contribute to the commercial management of social housing contracts.
✨Communicate Like a Pro
Effective communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing how you've liaised with contractors and internal teams to resolve issues. This will show that you're ready to collaborate effectively in a team environment.
✨Prepare Questions About the Role
Have a few thoughtful questions ready about the company's approach to social housing maintenance and improvement works. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand how you can fit into their team and contribute to their goals.