At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing exciting civil engineering projects and learn from experienced professionals.
- Company: Established civil engineering contractor with a focus on career development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, private healthcare, and 26 days holiday.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and work on impactful infrastructure projects across the South West.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in civil engineering with hands-on experience and clear progression opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; strong communication and organisational skills.
A well-established civil engineering contractor is looking to strengthen its commercial team as it continues to deliver major infrastructure schemes throughout the South West. Working on projects typically ranging from £5m to £20m, the business has built a strong track record across bridges, highways, infrastructure and heavy civils, delivering technically demanding schemes from Exeter through to Bristol. They are now seeking a Graduate Quantity Surveyor looking to turn their academic knowledge into practical commercial experience. You’ll join an experienced team where structured training, hands-on project exposure and ongoing mentoring will form a key part of your development. With a strong focus on developing its own people and promoting internally, this is a role offering a clear route towards building a long-term career in commercial management.
The Role
Working alongside experienced Quantity Surveyors and the wider project team, you’ll gain exposure to the commercial delivery of live civil engineering projects from initial stages through to completion. As a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, your responsibilities will include:
- Assisting with the commercial management of projects valued between £5m and £20m
- Supporting cost reporting, forecasting and budget control
- Helping to prepare valuations, variations and applications for payment
- Assisting with subcontractor procurement and ongoing account management
- Working closely with site and project teams to track commercial performance
- Preparing commercial reports and relevant financial information
- Building effective working relationships with clients, subcontractors and suppliers
- Learning established commercial processes and industry best practice from experienced members of the team
What We’re Looking For
This position would suit someone at the beginning of their commercial career who is keen to develop within the civil engineering sector. You’ll ideally have:
- A degree in Quantity Surveying or another relevant construction discipline
- A genuine interest in civil engineering and the commercial side of construction
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- A proactive approach with a willingness to learn
- Good attention to detail
- A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one
What’s In It For You?
Joining as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, you’ll benefit from a structured development environment alongside exposure to substantial infrastructure projects across the region. The package includes:
- £28,000 - £32,000 starting salary
- Car allowance
- Company pension
- Private healthcare
- 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Structured graduate training
- Ongoing mentoring from experienced commercial professionals
- Clear opportunities for career progression
- Experience across bridges, roads, infrastructure and heavy civils
- Exposure to projects throughout the South West
- A supportive commercial team focused on developing your skills and experience
If you’re looking for a role where you can learn from an experienced team, work on major civil engineering schemes and establish a clear path for progression as a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, this could be the right next step.
Graduate Quantity Surveyor in Taunton employer: Girling Jones Ltd
As a Senior Geotechnical Engineer with us, you'll thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional growth, all set against the backdrop of exciting projects in diverse environments. Join our team and make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a supportive and engaging atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Quantity Surveyor in Taunton
✨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 Girling Jones Ltd, 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 Graduate Quantity Surveyor at Girling Jones Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Quantity Surveyor in Taunton
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 Girling Jones Ltd
✨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!
