M&E Senior Quantity Surveyor

Our client is a highly regarded main contractor with a strong and established reputation for delivering technically complex, high-specification construction projects across the UK. Operating at the upper end of the market, they are consistently appointed on schemes that demand exceptional levels of technical expertise, coordination and commercial management — particularly within the mechanical and electrical disciplines.

The business has built deep expertise across a number of specialist sectors, including healthcare, life sciences and high-security government infrastructure. These are environments where precision, compliance and rigorous programme management are non-negotiable, and where their ability to deliver to the highest standard has set them apart from competitors. They are a trusted delivery partner for some of the most demanding clients and programmes in the industry.

The company operates a mature and well-structured commercial function, with experienced teams embedded across their project portfolio. Investment in people is a defining characteristic of the business — they take a long-term view on talent and actively support senior professionals in developing the capability and exposure needed to progress into commercial leadership roles. With a strong forward order book and a pipeline of complex projects across the UK, this is a business in a position of real strength — and one that continues to attract some of the best commercial talent in the market.

You will be working on some of the most complex and technically challenging construction projects currently being delivered in the UK. The portfolio spans healthcare facilities, life sciences campuses and high-security government developments — including prison and secure custodial schemes — all of which carry significant M&E scope and demand a high level of commercial precision and technical understanding.

These are projects where the mechanical and electrical packages are central to the overall delivery, often involving intricate coordination across multiple specialist subcontractors, lengthy procurement programmes and tightly controlled environments. The ability to manage M&E costs, contracts and supply chain relationships at pace and under pressure is essential — and it is exactly this kind of experience that defines the team you will be joining.

The working culture is professional, collaborative and commercially rigorous. You will be given real ownership of your M&E commercial workload, with the backing of a strong senior leadership team and robust internal systems. The environment is demanding but rewarding, and the business is well known for recognising performance and creating genuine opportunities for progression. This role carries a clear pathway into a Commercial Manager position. You will be exposed to the full breadth of commercial decision-making at a senior level, making it an ideal platform for an ambitious M&E QS ready to take the next step in their career.

Responsibilities

• Take full commercial ownership of the M&E scope across major construction projects, from pre-contract through to final account.
• Manage the procurement, appointment and ongoing account management of specialist M&E subcontractors.
• Prepare, submit and negotiate interim valuations, variations and contractual claims related to mechanical and electrical works.
• Produce detailed cost reports, forecasts and commercial analysis for senior management and client reporting.
• Administer M&E subcontracts in accordance with the relevant contract conditions, proactively managing risk and compliance.
• Work closely with project managers, design teams and M&E engineers to ensure commercial alignment throughout the project lifecycle.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities specific to M&E delivery on complex, high-specification schemes.
• Support and mentor junior commercial staff within the M&E team, contributing to the wider development of commercial capability.
• Contribute to pre-tender commercial reviews, M&E cost planning and value engineering exercises as required.

What you need

• Significant experience as a Quantity Surveyor with a strong focus on mechanical and electrical works within a main contractor or specialist M&E environment.
• Proven track record delivering commercial management on technically complex, high-value construction projects.
• Experience working across healthcare, life sciences, government or other high-specification sectors is highly advantageous.
• Strong understanding of M&E subcontract procurement, account management and cost control processes.
• In-depth knowledge of standard forms of contract as they apply to M&E subcontract and main contract administration.
• Commercially astute with excellent analytical, negotiation and reporting skills.
• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Building Services Engineering or a related discipline.

What you'll get in return

This is an exceptional opportunity for a senior M&E commercial professional looking to work on some of the most complex and prestigious construction projects in the UK. The role offers a base salary of £120,000 alongside a comprehensive package, reflecting the seniority and specialist expertise required. Beyond the financial reward, you will gain unrivalled exposure to high-security and technically demanding project environments, work within a market-leading commercial team, and benefit from a genuine and structured pathway into a Commercial Manager role with a business that is consistently delivering at the top of the market.