At a Glance
- Tasks: Support major construction projects with cost management and client-facing consultancy.
- Company: Dynamic consultancy firm focused on national property programmes.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for travel across the UK and ROI.
- Other info: Great opportunity for career growth in a supportive team.
- Why this job: Join a fast-paced environment and make a real impact on diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Qualified Quantity Surveyor with 3+ years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Kings Cross, London. Hybrid working supported, with UK / ROI travel typically around 2–3 visits per month depending on project requirements.
Salary / rate: £55,000 – £65,000 per annum + package.
About the role: We are looking for a qualified PQS / Cost Consultant to support a major national programme of construction works across a UK and ROI property portfolio. This is a client-facing cost management role suited to someone with previous experience working as a PQS, Cost Consultant or client-side Quantity Surveyor. You will support projects from feasibility and cost planning through procurement, change control, valuations, reporting and final account. The key requirement is not sector-specific experience. The priority is a strong consultancy-side or client-side cost management background, excellent reporting discipline and confidence working directly with client stakeholders. You will manage allocated projects, work with consultants and contractors, and contribute to wider programme-level reporting across multiple live schemes.
Key responsibilities:
- Prepare cost plans, estimates, benchmarking and feasibility budgets.
- Produce accurate cost reports, forecasts, cost-to-complete updates and cashflows.
- Support programme reporting, risk and opportunity tracking, and clear commercial audit trails.
- Support and manage tender processes, including documentation, analysis, levelling, recommendations and award reporting.
- Manage valuations, payment processes and contractor / supplier commercial performance where required.
- Assess variations and change, maintain change logs and support robust approval processes.
- Provide clear commercial advice, substantiation and options to client stakeholders.
- Attend and lead project meetings where required, presenting cost and commercial updates clearly.
- Build effective relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and internal teams.
- Work within client templates, governance structures, reporting requirements and commercial controls.
- Maintain high standards of accuracy, consistency and professional best practice.
Requirements:
- Qualified Quantity Surveyor.
- Previous experience working as a PQS, Cost Consultant or client-side Quantity Surveyor.
- 3+ years’ relevant Quantity Surveying / cost management experience.
- Strong cost planning, procurement, tender analysis, change control, valuations and cost reporting experience.
- Confident working directly with client stakeholders.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- High attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
- Strong Excel, forecasting and cost reporting capability.
- Able to manage multiple live tasks and take ownership of allocated work with limited supervision.
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-led environment with changing priorities.
Desirable / nice-to-have background:
- MRICS or working towards MRICS / APC.
- Experience across multi-site, programme-based or portfolio work.
- Experience in new build, refurbishment, remodelling or live-environment projects.
- Familiarity with client-side governance, reporting and commercial controls.
- Background in commercial, industrial, logistics, distribution, warehouse, retail, healthcare, education, mixed-use or wider property / construction projects.
About the employer / environment: You will be working in a consultancy / client-side cost management environment, supporting a national programme of works across a UK and ROI portfolio. The role is suited to someone who enjoys client-facing delivery, accurate reporting, commercial control and working across multiple live projects rather than focusing on one single site.
Best-Fit Candidates: This role is likely to suit candidates from PQS, cost consultancy, client-side property, construction consultancy, real estate advisory or programme management consultancy backgrounds. The strongest applicants are likely to have worked in environments where they have been responsible for cost planning, tender analysis, procurement support, valuations, change control, cost reporting, forecasting and stakeholder-facing commercial advice.
PQS / Cost Consultant - National Programme in City of London employer: DARA PEOPLE LTD.
Contact Detail:
DARA PEOPLE LTD. Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PQS / Cost Consultant - National Programme in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want to see you shine, so practice answering common questions and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. We appreciate when candidates take that extra step to stay on our radar.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t hesitate to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Keep an eye on our listings and make sure your application stands out by showcasing your relevant skills and experiences.
We think you need these skills to ace PQS / Cost Consultant - National Programme in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your PQS or Cost Consultant experience, especially any client-side work you've done. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our needs. Be sure to mention your experience with cost planning and stakeholder engagement.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, make sure your written application demonstrates your strong communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional – we love a good communicator!
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 to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at DARA PEOPLE LTD.
✨Know Your Numbers
As a PQS / Cost Consultant, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost management. Brush up on your cost planning, forecasting, and reporting skills. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed budgets or delivered accurate cost reports.
✨Showcase Your Client-Facing Skills
This role is client-facing, so it's crucial to highlight your communication abilities. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively built relationships with clients or stakeholders. Practice articulating complex cost management concepts in a way that's easy for non-experts to understand.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world scenarios. Think about challenges you've faced in previous roles, such as managing change control or handling variations. Be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes of your decisions.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Projects
Research the company's current projects and their approach to cost management. Understanding their portfolio will not only help you tailor your responses but also show your genuine interest in the role. Mentioning specific projects during the interview can set you apart from other candidates.