At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs and provide commercial advice on exciting construction projects across the UK and Ireland.
- Company: Dynamic cost consultancy with a focus on client relationships and innovative projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for career development.
- Other info: Gain exposure to both pre-contract and post-contract phases in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make an impact on diverse construction projects.
- Qualifications: 3+ years in Quantity Surveying or cost management; strong Excel skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
- Quantity Surveyor (PQS) – Cost Consultancy
- London, King's Cross | Up to £63,000 | Hybrid – 3 days office | Permanent
Are you a Quantity Surveyor working within a PQS practice, construction cost consultancy or client-side cost management team?
We're recruiting for a
PQS / Cost Consultant to join a consultancy supporting a major national programme of construction and property projects across the UK and Ireland.
This is a client-facing consultancy role, offering exposure to multiple projects across new builds, refurbishments and property improvements, rather than being based on one construction site.
The Role
You’ll provide cost management and commercial advice across a portfolio of projects, working from early feasibility and cost planning through procurement, construction and final accounts.
Key responsibilities include
- Preparing feasibility estimates, cost plans and project budgets.
- Producing cost reports, forecasts and cashflow projections for clients.
- Supporting procurement, tender documentation, tender analysis and contractor recommendations.
- Managing interim valuations, variations and change control.
- Monitoring project budgets, risks and commercial performance.
- Working directly with clients, consultants and contractors.
- Managing commercial reporting across multiple live projects.
What We're Looking For
- At least 3 years’ experience in Quantity Surveying or construction cost management.
Experience in a PQS practice, cost consultancy or client-side QS role.
- Practical experience in pre‑contract cost planning, estimating and tendering.
- Experience in post‑contract cost management, reporting and change control.
- Confidence working directly with clients and across multiple projects.
- Good Excel skills and attention to detail.
MRICS qualification or progress towards chartership would be advantageous, but is not essential.
Experience across commercial, industrial, logistics, retail or wider property projects would be useful, although candidates from other construction sectors with relevant consultancy‑side experience are welcome.
Why Apply?
- Salary up to
£63,000 , depending on experience.
- Hybrid working – 3 days per week in King's Cross.
- Work across a national portfolio of projects throughout the UK and Ireland.
- Exposure to both pre‑contract and post‑contract cost management.
- Direct client interaction and varied project responsibilities.
- Opportunity to develop your career within a consultancy environment.
- #Quantity Surveyor #PQS #Cost Consultant #Cost Management #London Jobs
Cost Manager (PQS / Client-Side) employer: DARA PEOPLE LTD.
Join a dynamic team that values innovation and collaboration, where your expertise as a Quantity Surveyor will be recognised and rewarded. With a competitive salary package and opportunities for professional growth across a diverse portfolio of projects in the UK and ROI, you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that encourages client interaction and commercial ownership. Experience the satisfaction of influencing client decisions while managing multiple live schemes in an environment that prioritises your development and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Cost Manager (PQS / Client-Side)
✨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 DARA PEOPLE LTD., 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 Cost Manager (PQS / Client-Side) at DARA PEOPLE LTD..
We think you need these skills to ace Cost Manager (PQS / Client-Side)
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 DARA PEOPLE LTD.
✨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!
