At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management for major Thames Water projects and mentor junior team members.
- Company: Major UK construction firm with a strong water division and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, private medical insurance, and professional development support.
- Other info: Dynamic role with excellent career progression and a strong pipeline of work.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the water sector while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in managing commercial aspects of construction projects; RICS membership is a plus.
Senior Quantity Surveyor – Water Infrastructure
Location: Thames Valley Salary: £74,000–£85,000, plus car allowance 3 days office/site, 2 days from home
We’re looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to take commercial responsibility for major Thames Water projects across the Thames Valley.
You could lead the commercial delivery of a section of a larger scheme or manage several smaller projects, working closely with the teams delivering them.
The company
Our client is a major UK construction and infrastructure business with an established water division.
Its growing programme offers a strong pipeline of work, the backing of an experienced team and opportunities to develop into broader commercial leadership.
What you’ll be doing
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you’ll
- Lead commercial management, reporting and forecasting across your projects.
- Manage financial risk, change control and contractual notices.
- Procure and manage major subcontract packages, payments and performance.
- Prepare valuations, applications for payment, claims and final accounts.
- Work with project teams and clients on value engineering and dispute avoidance.
- Mentor and develop junior members of the commercial team.
- What we’re looking for
You’ll be an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor who has managed the commercial and contractual aspects of live construction or infrastructure projects through to final account.
You’ll bring strong cost and value reporting, subcontract procurement and negotiation skills, along with the confidence to advise operational teams and lead others.
Water sector experience would be especially useful. Professional membership, such as RICS, would be an advantage.
- What’s on offer
- £74,000–£85,000 salary, plus car allowance
- 26 days’ annual leave, with the option to buy or sell up to three days
- Additional leave linked to length of service
- Private medical insurance and life assurance
- Pension contributions matched up to 8%
- Paid professional membership fees
- Training, development and employee benefits
- Flexible working where the role allows
This Senior Quantity Surveyor role is subject to BPSS checks.
If you’re a Senior Quantity Surveyor looking to lead the commercial side of significant Thames Water work, get in touch for a confidential conversation.
- Similar job titles: Senior Commercial Surveyor
- Lead Quantity Surveyor
- Managing Quantity Surveyor
- Senior Project Quantity Surveyor
- Commercial Manager
- Senior Civils Quantity Surveyor
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading employer: J3A Recruitment
Join one of the UK’s largest and most established construction and infrastructure groups, where you will benefit from outstanding stability and structured career development. Based in Warrington, this role offers exposure to major Critical National Infrastructure projects, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for leadership development and long-term progression in a supportive work culture that values safety and client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading
✨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 J3A Recruitment, 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 at J3A Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading
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 J3A Recruitment
✨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!
