PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme
PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme

PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme

Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
DARA PEOPLE LTD.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Manage costs for exciting national construction projects and collaborate with clients and contractors.
  • Company: Dynamic consultancy firm focused on innovative property solutions.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Other info: Fast-paced environment with diverse projects across the UK and ROI.
  • Why this job: Join a vibrant team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
  • 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 employer: DARA PEOPLE LTD.

Join a dynamic consultancy environment in Kings Cross, London, where hybrid working is embraced and employee growth is prioritised. As a PQS / Cost Consultant, you will benefit from a supportive work culture that values client engagement and offers opportunities for professional development across a diverse portfolio of projects. With competitive salary packages and the chance to work on impactful national programmes, this role is perfect for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

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 / Cost Consultant role. Highlight your skills in cost planning, procurement, and stakeholder management to stand out.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!

We think you need these skills to ace PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme

Cost Management
Quantity Surveying
Cost Planning
Procurement Support
Tender Analysis
Change Control
Valuations
Cost Reporting
Forecasting
Stakeholder Engagement
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Project Management
Client Relationship Management
Commercial Awareness

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-facing roles, to show us you’re the right fit for this position.

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. Don’t forget to mention your strong communication skills and attention to detail!

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on your cost management experience, particularly in areas like cost planning, procurement, and reporting. We want to see how you’ve successfully managed projects and built relationships with clients.

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 don’t miss out on any important updates regarding your application status!

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 all about building relationships with clients and stakeholders. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively communicated complex cost information or navigated challenging client interactions. Highlight your ability to present updates clearly and confidently.

Familiarise Yourself with the Role's Requirements

Make sure you understand the key responsibilities outlined in the job description. Be prepared to discuss how your previous experience aligns with tasks like managing valuations, supporting tender processes, and maintaining change logs. Tailor your responses to reflect the specific needs of the role.

Prepare Questions for Them

Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the company's projects, team dynamics, or their approach to client management. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.

PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme
DARA PEOPLE LTD.

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