At a Glance
- Tasks: Take full commercial ownership of three live residential schemes and lead procurement.
- Company: Well-established Sussex-based residential developer with a growing pipeline.
- Benefits: Up to £500/day, hybrid flexibility, and a minimum 12-month contract.
- Other info: Direct line into senior decision-makers and genuine variety in your role.
- Why this job: Shape the commercial approach across multiple live schemes and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Senior-level QS experience on residential or mixed-use schemes over £10m GDV.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're working exclusively with a well-established Sussex-based residential developer/contractor to appoint a Senior Quantity Surveyor on a freelance basis to take full commercial ownership of three live mixed residential schemes, each with a development value of up to £13m.
The projects: Three concurrent mixed residential sites across Sussex, all now out of the ground and moving into active build phase. This isn't a caretaking role, you're picking up full commercial responsibility from this point forward, with real influence over how each scheme is procured and controlled from here to completion.
The role, full commercial responsibility across all three sites:
- Leading procurement of trade contractors and subcontract packages from the ground up — you'll be writing the commercial strategy for each site, not inheriting someone else's
- Preparing and issuing tender documentation, analysing returns, and negotiating and placing subcontract orders
- Managing the full subcontract lifecycle: orders, variations, instructions, and change control
- Producing accurate monthly cost reports, CVRs and cash flow forecasts for each site
- Interim valuations and applications for payment, both incoming (to the client/funder) and outgoing (to subcontractors)
- Managing final accounts through to agreement and close-out
- Identifying and mitigating commercial risk across three sites running in parallel, flagging cost and programme exposure early
- Working closely with site management and design teams to ensure commercial decisions track buildability and programme
- Reporting directly into senior leadership on commercial performance across the portfolio
What's on offer:
- Up to £500 per day, confirmed outside IR35
- 12-month minimum contract, with a strong likelihood of extension given the ongoing pipeline
- Site-based with hybrid flexibility
- Autonomy across three live schemes for one client rather than a single site, genuine variety and scope to make the commercial function your own
- Direct line into senior decision-makers, not layers of sign-off
What we're looking for:
- Senior-level QS experience on residential or mixed-use schemes of comparable value (£10m+ GDV)
- Strong track record leading procurement from inception, not just administering existing packages
- Comfortable managing the commercial function across multiple live sites simultaneously
- Freelance/contractor background with a clear understanding of your own IR35 status
- Confident, self-sufficient operator who can own the commercial function end to end with minimal oversight
This is a rare chance to join a growing, well-funded developer at a pivotal point in its pipeline, with genuine scope to shape the commercial approach across multiple live schemes rather than slot into an existing structure.
Interested, or want more detail before applying? Contact David Lane for a confidential conversation.
Freelance Senior Quantity Surveyor employer: Joshua Robert Recruitment
Joshua Robert Recruitment is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters professional growth and development. With a focus on high-profile commercial assets in the vibrant city of Manchester, employees benefit from exposure to prestigious clients and projects, alongside opportunities for career advancement in a rapidly growing consultancy environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Freelance Senior Quantity Surveyor
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Freelance Senior Quantity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Joshua Robert Recruitment.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Joshua Robert Recruitment know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Joshua Robert Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Joshua Robert Recruitment. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
