Managing Quantity Surveyor

Location: Buntingford, Hertfordshire, UK

As a Managing Quantity Surveyor at Datalec Precision Installations (DPI), you will lead a team of Quantity Surveyors and oversee all commercial and financial aspects of assigned data centre projects. Working closely with Project Managers and Operations Directors, you will be responsible for evaluating, negotiating, and managing commercial and contractual risks, ensuring DPI’s financial interests are protected and maximised. Collaborating and managing both internal and external stakeholders, you will lead and deliver commercially sound projects that are profitable and in line with DPI standards. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong leadership skills, capable of mentoring junior staff and driving commercial excellence across multiple projects.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Report directly to the Head of Commercial, ensuring proactive cost control and commercial governance across all projects.
• Provide regular commercial updates and financial reports to the Head of Commercial.
• Prepare and deliver accurate monthly and ad-hoc financial reports aligned with required reporting periods, ensuring precise tracking of revenues, costs, risks and opportunities.
• Evaluate, negotiate, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
• Ensure timely and accurate reporting of cost forecasts, budget variances, and commercial KPIs.
• Escalate significant commercial risks or issues to senior management with recommended actions.
• Support internal and external audits by providing required documentation and insights.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors, ensuring high performance and professional growth through the provision of objectives, responsibilities, and accountabilities, managing performance accordingly.
• Conduct regular one-to-one meetings, performance reviews, and appraisals.
• Identify training needs and support continuous professional development within the team, to support development plans and career progression.
• Allocate resources effectively across projects, balancing workloads and priorities.
• Foster a collaborative and supportive team environment aligned with DPI’s values.
• Oversee the bid process for future opportunities, ensuring commercial viability and risk mitigation.
• Oversee the financial performance of multiple concurrent projects.
• Lead the preparation and management of project budgets, forecasts and cost plans.
• Ensure accurate commercial assessment of bids and projects, identifying and managing risks.
• Perform full contract surveying duties, including variation assessments, final accounts, and dispute resolution.
• Develop procurement strategies and manage subcontractor agreements.
• Provide strategic procurement advice and support, including subcontract and material order preparation.
• Approve material purchase orders and subcontractor orders, contractual documents throughout the UK and EMEA and ensure we are compliant with local laws.
• Ensure compliance with contract terms and the timely issuance of notices.
• Attend and represent DPI in client meetings, maintaining strong professional relationships.
• Review monthly valuations, prepare Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) reports and profit and loss reports.
• Collaborate with Project Managers, Commercial and Operations Directors, and customers.
• Collaborate with project teams to ensure Health & Safety budgets align with project deliverables.
• Conduct regular project and post-project reviews, ensuring continuous commercial improvement through lessons learnt.
• Ensure compliance with internal business processes and Construction ERP systems, maintaining accurate project documentation and financial records, and ensuring accuracy in data.
• Lead and uphold Health and Safety standards for employees and third parties, ensuring compliance with company and legal requirements.
• Represent the business, upholding our core values and behaviours with all internal and external customers, clients and third parties.
• Maintain business and client confidentiality, adhering to applicable Data Protection regulations and Information Security Standards in line with company and group policies and procedures.

Essential Skills and Experience

• Proven experience in a similar commercial or quantity surveying leadership role.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred but not essential).
• Strong leadership abilities, with proven ability to develop a team.
• Sector and Industry knowledge within the Data Centre and associated services environment.
• Demonstrated experience in managing both internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated proficiency in commercial acumen and skills.
• Experience in evaluating, negotiating, and mitigating commercial and contractual risks.
• Excellent influencing and negotiation abilities.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• High level of numeracy and analytical thinking.
• Proficiency in ERP systems (ideally Eque2), SharePoint, and Office 365.
• Accreditations and certifications relevant to the level of the role.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel, as required.

Additional Information

• Travel requirement – Flexibility required.

To Apply

To apply for this position, please send your CV and a cover letter to recruitment@datalecltd.com. For further information, please contact HR on +44 (0) 800 6891318.

About Datalec Precision Installations (DPI)

Datalec Precision Installations provides world-class, global data centre solutions, specialising in M&E and connectivity design, bespoke manufacturing, construction, and installation services. Supported by unmatched technical expertise, we offer consultancy, technical and critical cleaning, electronic security, and managed services to address every data centre need.