Senior Quantity Surveyor in Retford

Responsibilities

• Cost Management & Commercial Control – Lead the cost management of major construction and infrastructure contracts, ensuring accurate forecasting, budgetary control, and cost assurance. Prepare, review and maintain cost plans, cost breakdown structures, target costs, cashflows and earned value metrics. Triage early warnings, compensation events and commercial claims. Provide authoritative advice on commercial and cost impacts of design development, scope change and programme movement. Ensure costs are managed within approved budgets and governance thresholds.
• Measurement, Valuation & Change Control – Lead measurement and valuation of works, including interim payment applications, assessment of cost/compensation events, variations and claims. Ensure changes are instructed, valued, negotiated and recorded in accordance with contractual mechanisms. Challenge contractor submissions for value for money and contractual compliance. Agree final accounts and support timely contract close‑out.
• Contract & Procurement Support – Support or lead commercial input into procurement strategies for construction and infrastructure works. Advise on contract selection, pricing mechanisms, risk allocation and commercial models. Lead or support commercial negotiations at tender and post‑contract stages. Administer contracts in line with agreed terms, governance standards and regulatory requirements.
• Risk, Claims & Dispute Management – Identify, assess and manage cost and commercial risks, develop and implement mitigation strategies. Support dispute avoidance through early intervention and commercial negotiation. Provide expert support and leadership to formal dispute resolution processes where required.
• Reporting, Governance & Assurance – Produce and assure high‑quality cost and commercial reporting for senior stakeholders. Maintain accurate, auditable cost and contract records. Support internal and external audits and provide professional commercial assurance. Drive continuous improvement in cost management processes, data quality and reporting discipline.
• Stakeholder Management & Leadership – Build trusted relationships within the wider Commercial team, Project Managers, Engineers, Finance and senior stakeholders. Represent the organisation in meetings with contractors and delivery partners. Provide mentoring, guidance and professional oversight to direct reports and early‑career colleagues. Act as a role model for professional integrity, ethical behaviour and organisational values.
• Leadership Mindset – Embody a leadership mindset and behaviours. Foster a positive and inclusive team environment, promote teamwork and diversity, and act as a cultural ambassador. Lead by example, demonstrating integrity, professionalism and ethical behaviour. Make informed decisions and solve problems effectively, considering diverse perspectives and organisational goals.

Qualifications

• Significant experience in quantity surveying or cost management on construction or infrastructure projects.
• Proven ability to administer high‑value, high‑risk contracts across the project lifecycle.
• Strong understanding of standard contracts (e.g. NEC) and bespoke construction contracts.
• Demonstrable expertise in cost forecasting, valuation, change control and final accounts.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
• Actively working towards Chartered status (MRICS) or already Chartered.
• Ability to demonstrate competence aligned to RICS pathways, particularly Commercial Management of Construction, Construction Technology and Environmental Services, Contract Practice, Procurement and Tendering, and Risk Management.
• Experience in highly regulated or public‑sector environments is beneficial.
• Experience supporting or managing junior quantity surveying staff is beneficial.
• Familiarity with assurance, governance and delegated authority frameworks is beneficial.

Benefits

• Outstanding defined benefit pension scheme.
• Corporate bonus scheme up to 7%.
• Relocation allowance (if eligible).
• Flexible working options including family‑friendly policies.
• Employee Assistance Programme and trained Mental Health First Aiders.
• Generous annual leave allowance – 25 days plus 3 days Christmas closure and 2.5 privilege days in addition to UK bank holidays.
• Wide range of career development opportunities.
• Vibrant inclusive culture.

Employment Conditions

• The position is based at West Burton, Nottinghamshire with on‑site working expected for three days each week.
• Applicants will be required to complete an online Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) and Disclosure & Barring Service (DBS) checks. An SC clearance may be required in the future; an existing SC clearance can be transferred.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We welcome applications from under‑represented groups, particularly women in STEM and individuals from British black and ethnic minority backgrounds, and individuals with disabilities. UKFE promotes equality, diversity and inclusion and actively works to increase diversity within the organisation.