PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme in Slough
PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme

PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme in Slough

Slough Full-Time 55000 - 65000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
DARA PEOPLE LTD.

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support major construction projects with cost management and client engagement.
  • Company: Dynamic consultancy focused on national property programmes.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and travel opportunities.
  • 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 Slough employer: DARA PEOPLE LTD.

Join a dynamic consultancy environment in Kings Cross, London, where you will play a pivotal role in managing a national programme of construction works. We offer a supportive hybrid working model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth, all while fostering a collaborative culture that values accuracy, client engagement, and innovative problem-solving across diverse projects.
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 Slough

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 help you land that PQS role.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews by practising common questions related to cost management and client interactions. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.

Tip Number 3

Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your previous work, including cost reports and project examples. This will help us demonstrate your expertise and give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Plus, it shows your enthusiasm for the role, which we all know is key in a client-facing position.

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

Cost Planning
Procurement
Tender Analysis
Change Control
Valuations
Cost Reporting
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Attention to Detail
Excel
Forecasting
Project Management
Client-Facing Delivery
Commercial Awareness
Relationship Building

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience as a PQS or Cost Consultant. We want to see how your skills match the job description, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects and achievements!

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. We love seeing enthusiasm and a clear understanding of the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since this role involves client-facing interactions, make sure your written application reflects strong communication skills. We appreciate clarity and professionalism, so keep it concise and engaging!

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 be on top of your cost planning and reporting game. Brush up on your Excel skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets, forecasts, and cashflows in previous roles. Bring examples of your work to showcase your accuracy and attention to detail.

Client-Facing Confidence

This role is all about building relationships with clients and stakeholders. Prepare to demonstrate your communication skills by discussing past experiences where you’ve successfully navigated client interactions. Think of specific instances where you provided clear commercial advice or led project meetings.

Showcase Your Project Management Skills

You’ll be managing multiple live projects, so it’s crucial to highlight your organisational skills. Be ready to talk about how you prioritise tasks and manage change control processes. Use examples that illustrate your ability to handle fast-paced environments and shifting priorities.

Understand the Bigger Picture

Familiarise yourself with the national programme of works and the types of projects involved. Show that you understand the consultancy-side environment and can contribute to wider programme-level reporting. This will demonstrate your commitment and readiness to hit the ground running.

PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme in Slough
DARA PEOPLE LTD.
Location: Slough

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