Lead Quantity Surveyor in DA1 in Dartford

Job Description

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Lead Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of the pre-construction commercial function across a diverse portfolio of projects.

This is a key leadership position responsible for managing a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors, driving commercial governance, and ensuring the integrity of budgeting, cost planning, and CVR reporting across the division. You will play a critical role in shaping early-stage project success, influencing procurement strategy, and ensuring robust financial control throughout the pre-construction lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Leadership & Governance
• Lead and manage the pre-construction commercial function, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and control across all projects
• Own and oversee divisional budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasting
• Establish and maintain robust commercial processes, controls, and reporting standards
• CVR & Financial Management
• Take full accountability for the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process across the pre-construction portfolio
• Ensure timely, accurate reporting of cost position, risks, opportunities, and forecast outcomes
• Challenge assumptions, cost movements, and commercial risks to protect business margins
• Provide clear financial reporting and insight to senior leadership
• Team Leadership & Development
• Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors
• Set objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development
• Ensure appropriate resource allocation and workload balance across projects
• Cost Planning & Pre-Construction Support
• Lead the development and validation of detailed cost plans and budgets
• Support bid and tender processes, ensuring competitive and commercially sound submissions
• Drive value engineering initiatives and cost optimisation strategies
• Work closely with design and pre-construction teams to ensure alignment between scope and budget
• Procurement & Supply Chain Management
• Oversee pre-construction procurement strategies and package scoping
• Support early supply chain engagement to inform pricing, risk management, and buildability
• Ensure compliance with procurement governance and commercial best practice
• Risk & Opportunity Management
• Identify, manage, and report commercial risks and opportunities across all schemes
• Ensure risk allowances, contingencies, and commercial positions are robust and defensible
• Support mitigation strategies to protect cost certainty and programme outcomes
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Act as a key commercial interface with internal teams, clients, and supply chain partners
• Present commercial updates and financial positions to senior stakeholders
• Support collaborative working across design, construction, and operational teams

About You

• Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role, ideally within pre-construction
• Strong knowledge of CVR processes, cost planning, and budget management
• Experience managing and developing commercial teams
• Skilled in commercial strategy, risk management, and financial reporting
• Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities
• Experience within [construction / cladding remediation / main contracting] is highly desirable

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to lead a critical commercial function within a growing division
• Clear career progression and leadership exposure
• A collaborative, high-performing team environment

If you are a commercially astute leader looking to take ownership of pre-construction financial performance and drive excellence across a portfolio of projects, we’d love to hear from you