At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project finances, contracts, and optimise value on large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Company: Established engineering and construction firm with a commitment to excellence and innovation.
- Benefits: 41 days holiday, early finish Fridays, private medical, bonus, pension, and remote work options.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Quantity Surveyor in commercial sectors and MEP projects.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Dowds is a long established, multidisciplinary engineering and construction Building Services Engineering company headquartered in Ballymena, Northern Ireland. Founded in 1978, our expertise spans the full lifecycle of complex‑built environments from initial design and systems integration through to installation, commissioning, and handover. Across specific sectors: life science, commercial, education and healthcare. Operating at a gold standard for best managed company and investors in people, our vision is to set the standard for excellence, driving progress, responsibility, and lasting impact.
Dowds are seeking a Quantity Surveyor to join our commercial team in London. This opportunity will work across large scale infrastructure projects which are strategically aligned to our partnerships and future direction. At Dowds we continue to invest into our people with recent enhanced benefits package, longer career progression, and we’d like you to be part of this journey with us.
What you’ll be responsible for:
- Commercial and financial management: Full commercial ownership of projects, including valuations, variations, cost-to-complete reviews, final accounts, and overall financial control.
- Contract and risk management: Strong contract awareness, reviewing terms and conditions, assessing commercial risk, mitigating delays, and developing risk mitigation plans with delivery teams.
- Tendering and pre‑contract support: Supporting the proposals team during tenders, evaluating risk and opportunity, issuing and assessing subcontract tender packages, and attending pre‑ and post‑tender meetings.
- Supply chain and subcontract management: Procuring subcontractors, negotiating terms, and managing subcontract accounts from tender through to interim and final account agreement.
- Claims, negotiations, and reviews: Preparation and submission of variation and claims, negotiating with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors, and attending internal and external commercial review meetings.
- Value optimisation and continuous improvement: Maximising value and minimising cost through robust controls, productivity analysis, and close collaboration with commercial and operational teams to drive continuous improvement.
What we are looking for:
- Experience within a QS position of this level covering the above responsibilities.
- Experience in commercial sectors.
- Knowledge working on construction projects from Pre Construction to handover.
- Experience within MEP sector.
- Direct reporting.
Why Join Dowds:
- 41 Days Holiday
- Early Finish Fridays
- Private Medical
- Bonus
- Pension
- Work from home
- Plus, many more.
Dowds is an Equal Opportunities Employer.
Quantity Surveyor / Senior QS employer: Dowds Group
At Dowds Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility while you lead impactful HV design projects in the renewable energy sector, with ample opportunities for professional growth and mentorship. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to delivering high-quality solutions in a rapidly evolving industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor / Senior QS
✨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 Dowds Group, 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 Quantity Surveyor / Senior QS at Dowds Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor / Senior QS
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 Dowds Group
✨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!
