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 professional growth.
- Other info: Work across multiple live projects and build strong client relationships.
- 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 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the PQS role. Highlight your cost management skills and client-facing experience to make a lasting impression.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can set you apart from other candidates and shows your enthusiasm for the role. Plus, it keeps you on their radar!
We think you need these skills to ace PQS / Cost Consultant - National Programme in 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 the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that relate to cost management and client interaction. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves a lot of client interaction, make sure your written application showcases your communication skills. Keep it clear, concise, and professional. We appreciate attention to detail and clarity!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
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 how you can provide clear commercial advice and manage expectations.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your technical knowledge of procurement processes, change control, and valuations. Familiarise yourself with the latest industry practices and be ready to explain how you've applied these in your previous roles. This will show your depth of understanding and readiness for the role.
✨Demonstrate Adaptability
Given the fast-paced nature of this role, be prepared to discuss how you've managed multiple projects simultaneously. Share examples of how you've adapted to changing priorities and maintained high standards of accuracy and consistency in your work.