At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team of Quantity Surveyors on exciting data centre projects.
- Company: Join a specialist firm with a focus on innovative data centre solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and hands-on leadership experience.
- Other info: Opportunity for growth and mentorship in a supportive team atmosphere.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while developing your leadership skills in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in M&E and data centres, with strong commercial acumen.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
This is a strong role for a Senior Quantity Surveyor who wants more than just ownership of one project account. You will be joining a data centre specialist with a growing workload across major projects, technical infrastructure, M&E delivery, connectivity, fit‑out, refurbishment and associated data centre services. The work is commercially detailed, technically demanding and fast‑moving, so this would suit someone who can keep control of cost, risk, procurement and reporting without needing to be managed too heavily.
The role will be based from Cuffley, working closely with the senior commercial team and supporting a team of Quantity Surveyors across a mix of major data centre projects and the business's more traditional project work. That could include larger M&E‑led schemes, white space fit‑out, upgrades, refurbishment, connectivity, technical infrastructure and specialist packages within live or critical environments.
You will be the commercial lead across a team made up of five Quantity Surveyors, including four apprentices and one Project Quantity Surveyor. The role needs someone who can set standards, review work properly, develop people and still stay close enough to the numbers to know where the risk is. This is not a role for someone who only wants to process applications and issue notices. You will be expected to support the wider commercial position, help the team make better decisions, keep commercial discipline across the projects and work closely with the Head of Commercial where required.
The Role
You will take responsibility for leading and supporting the commercial team across a range of data centre projects and associated technical works. You will be involved in project cost control, procurement, forecasting, applications, variations, subcontractor management, risk reviews, final accounts and commercial reporting. A major part of the role will be developing the commercial team. You will need to support the apprentices, guide the Project Quantity Surveyor and make sure the wider QS team is producing accurate, timely and commercially useful information. You will also work closely with project, operational and senior commercial leadership to protect margin, manage contract position and make sure risk is identified early rather than dealt with after the damage is done.
The business delivers a mix of larger project work and more traditional data centre services, so the role needs someone adaptable. One week may be focused on a major project commercial review, the next may involve smaller works, technical packages, framework‑style activity, variations, procurement or close‑out.
What You Will Be Doing
- Leading and supporting a commercial team of five Quantity Surveyors, including four apprentices and one Project Quantity Surveyor.
- Managing the commercial position across major data centre projects and smaller technical works.
- Reviewing cost plans, forecasts, CVRs, applications, valuations, variations and final account positions.
- Supporting procurement, subcontractor appointment, package reviews and commercial negotiation.
- Reviewing subcontractor accounts, change control, payment notices, contra charges, risk items and commercial correspondence.
- Working closely with project teams to understand progress, programme pressure, site issues, procurement status and cost movement.
- Helping the Head of Commercial and senior leadership maintain visibility across project performance, risk, cash flow and margin.
- Setting clear standards for the QS team, reviewing their work and making sure reporting is accurate and useful.
- Supporting apprentices and junior commercial staff with their development, workload and commercial understanding.
- Maintaining strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal project teams.
- Supporting contract reviews, project audits, commercial meetings and lessons learnt.
What You Will Need
- Strong background as a Quantity Surveyor or Senior Quantity Surveyor within M&E, data centres, technical infrastructure, building services, fit‑out, refurbishment or complex construction environments.
- Enough M&E experience to understand the commercial impact of services packages, technical coordination, procurement pressure, commissioning, variations and programme risk.
- Experience in data centres would be a strong advantage; experience in other technically demanding sectors will also be considered.
- Confidence leading or mentoring other Quantity Surveyors, particularly apprentices or developing commercial staff.
- Commercial sharpness across cost control, procurement, forecasting, applications, variations, subcontractor management and final accounts.
- Comfortable working with senior commercial, operational and project leadership.
- Good negotiation, communication and influencing skills, with confidence to challenge information rather than simply report it.
- Strong numeracy, attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.
- Experience with commercial reporting systems, ERP platforms, SharePoint, Office 365 and project documentation would be useful.
- Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or Construction‑related qualification beneficial, but strong relevant experience is priority.
Why This Role Stands Out
This is a good move for a Senior Quantity Surveyor who wants to lead people without being completely removed from the commercial detail. You will have a team around you, direct exposure to senior commercial leadership and a varied workload across major data centre projects and the business's wider technical works. The role gives you the chance to build a stronger leadership profile, develop junior commercial staff and be involved in the commercial decisions that actually affect project margin. For someone who understands M&E, enjoys data centre or technical project work and wants a proper step forward without moving into a purely managerial title, this is a very strong opportunity.
Senior M&E Quantity Surveyor employer: James Lewis Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative data centre specialist in Cuffley, where you will not only lead a talented team of Quantity Surveyors but also have the opportunity to shape their development and contribute to exciting major projects. Our collaborative work culture fosters growth and encourages professional development, ensuring that you remain closely connected to the commercial details while making impactful decisions. With a focus on technical excellence and a commitment to nurturing talent, this role offers a rewarding career path in a fast-paced environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior M&E 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 James Lewis 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 M&E Quantity Surveyor at James Lewis Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior M&E 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 James Lewis 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!
