At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs and commercial aspects of exciting construction projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a respected, family-run building contractor in beautiful Torbay.
- Benefits: Starting salary of £50,000, flexible working hours, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Enjoy a varied project mix and direct access to decision-makers.
- Why this job: Gain real responsibility and influence in a friendly, ambitious business.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantity surveying or construction estimating is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Pay: From £50,000.00 per year
Location: Paignton, Torbay, Devon
Hours: Full-time or part-time considered (8:30am – 5:00pm)
Type: Permanent — office and site based
The Opportunity
Harbron Recruit is working with a well-established, family-run building contractor in the Torbay area to appoint an experienced Quantity Surveyor. Our client delivers a broad range of construction, refurbishment and maintenance projects across the region, and has built its reputation on quality workmanship and long-standing client relationships. Continued growth has created the need for a commercially sharp QS to take ownership of cost and commercial management across their project portfolio.
This is a role with genuine breadth. Rather than being one specialist among many in a large contractor, you will own the commercial function end to end — from the first enquiry and pricing through to final account — working directly with the directors, office team, site foremen, subcontractors, suppliers and clients. For a Quantity Surveyor who wants real influence, visible impact and variety in their working week, this is an excellent opportunity to become a key part of a friendly, ambitious business.
What You'll Be Doing
- Preparing estimates and quotations from drawings, specifications and site visits.
- Carrying out take-offs and producing detailed material and labour costings.
- Preparing and submitting tenders.
- Obtaining and comparing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Pricing variations and additional works, and keeping accurate records of both.
- Monitoring project costs and budgets throughout each job.
- Managing project profitability and identifying potential overspends early.
- Attending site and client meetings as required.
- Agreeing final accounts with clients and subcontractors.
- Assisting with procurement and ordering where required.
- Helping ensure every project is commercially well managed from start to finish.
What We're Looking For
- Previous quantity surveying or construction estimating experience (essential).
- Good working knowledge of construction methods, materials and costs.
- Strong computer skills and confident with estimating / costing tools.
- Excellent attention to detail and accuracy.
- The ability to manage several projects at the same time.
- A proactive, organised approach and the confidence to work closely with directors and clients.
Why This Role
- End-to-end ownership of the commercial function — real responsibility, not a narrow remit.
- A varied project mix across construction, refurbishment and maintenance.
- A friendly, close-knit, family-run business where your work is visible and valued.
- Direct access to decision-makers — you'll work alongside the directors, not three layers below them.
- A growing company with a strong local reputation and a loyal client base.
- Flexible working — full-time or part-time considered for the right person.
How to Apply
This vacancy is being handled exclusively by Harbron Recruit. To apply, or for a confidential conversation about the role, please contact Louise McDill, Recruitment Specialist — Building, Construction.
Quantity Surveyor employer: HARBRON RECRUIT Ltd
Join our dedicated team in Cullompton, Devon, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and offer competitive pay of £16.68 per hour for Labourers. We believe in fostering employee growth through ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring that you can build a rewarding career while contributing to exciting landscaping projects in a vibrant community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor
✨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 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 Quantity Surveyor at HARBRON RECRUIT Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor
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 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!
