At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage commercial aspects of groundworks projects from start to finish.
- Company: Family-run civil engineering contractor with over 30 years of experience.
- Benefits: Pension, mobile and laptop, and genuine progression opportunities.
- Other info: Ideal for those seeking stability and growth in their career.
- Why this job: Take ownership of projects and influence commercial systems in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in groundworks, civils, or housebuilder subcontract environments.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About this opportunity
Harbron Recruit is working in close partnership with a long-established, family-run groundworks and civil engineering contractor that has been operating across the South West of England for over 30 years. They are one of the most respected regional players in their sector, delivering groundworks packages on residential developments across Somerset, Devon and Cornwall working with national housebuilders and tier‑one main contractors on schemes up to £10m+.
Following a number of recent project starts and a strong forward order book, they are now hiring an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to take full commercial ownership of multiple live projects. This is not a corporate, top‑heavy commercial team. It’s a family‑run business where the QS runs their own patch, talks daily to the directors, and gets the credit for delivering projects from tender through to final account. It’s also a role with real scope to shape and improve the commercial systems as the business grows – ideal for someone who wants ownership and influence, not just execution.
The role
Reporting to the commercial lead, you’ll be responsible for the end‑to‑end commercial management of live groundworks projects typically a mix of plot works, S38 and S278 highways works, foul and surface water drainage, and external finishing works.
Key responsibilities
- Full commercial ownership from tender to final account
- Cost plans, estimates, and bills of quantities
- Pricing and procuring subcontract packages, plant, labour and materials
- Managing monthly applications, valuations, payment certificates and CVRs
- Reviewing main contract terms and managing variations and compensation events
- Producing monthly cost/value reconciliation and forecasts
- Settling final accounts and managing retentions
- Resolving commercial disputes early
Who we’re looking for
You’ll be a proven Senior QS with a strong track record in groundworks, civils or housebuilder subcontract environments, confident managing multiple live projects across a regional patch, and comfortable with JCT and/or NEC contract forms. You’ll have hands‑on knowledge of S38/S278 highways, drainage and plot works. You’ll be strong in Excel and confident building commercial reports, valuations and reconciliations from the ground up. The right candidate will see this as an opportunity to influence and improve commercial systems, not a step backwards. You’ll hold a HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, and have a full UK driving licence. We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates with existing relationships with national housebuilders or tier‑one contractors, or who are MRICS / working toward chartership.
What’s on offer
- Pension
- Mobile and laptop
- Genuine progression to Commercial Manager for the right person
- A stable, growing family business
How to apply
Apply through Harbron Recruit with your CV. The hiring client name will be disclosed on a screening call with one of our consultants. All applications handled in strict confidence.
Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils in Taunton employer: HARBRON RECRUIT LIMITED
Join a respected family-run groundworks and civil engineering contractor that values its employees and fosters a supportive work culture. With over 30 years of experience in the South West, this company offers genuine progression opportunities, including a pathway to Commercial Manager, while allowing you to take full ownership of your projects and influence commercial systems. Enjoy a stable work environment with a strong forward order book, competitive benefits, and the chance to work closely with directors in a collaborative setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils 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 HARBRON RECRUIT LIMITED, 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 Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils at HARBRON RECRUIT LIMITED.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils 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 HARBRON RECRUIT LIMITED
✨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!
