At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage exciting groundworks projects from start to finish, influencing commercial systems.
- Company: Family-run contractor with over 30 years of experience in the South West.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, fuel card, pension, and holiday perks.
- Other info: Great progression opportunities to Commercial Manager for ambitious candidates.
- Why this job: Take ownership of projects and make a real impact in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in groundworks, civils, or housebuilder subcontract environments required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Job Description Senior Quantity Surveyor (Groundworks & Civils)£70,000 + vehicle, fuel card & benefits | South West | Permanent 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.
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.
Full commercial ownership from tender to final account 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 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.
Company vehicle + fuel card Pension Holiday plus bank holidays Genuine progression to Commercial Manager for the right person Harbron Recruit Ltd Specialist Recruitment for the UK Construction Sector
Quantity Surveyor Contractor - Hybrid in Somerset 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 Contractor - Hybrid in Somerset
✨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 Contractor - Hybrid at HARBRON RECRUIT Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor Contractor - Hybrid in Somerset
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!
