At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare cost plans and estimates for high-value defence projects.
- Company: Join a leading team in Defence Infrastructure with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on exciting MOD projects and develop your professional skills.
- Why this job: Make a difference in national security through your expertise in quantity surveying.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; 8-15 years of relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Senior Estimating Quantity Surveyor – Defence & MOD Projects
Location
Southwest
Salary
Competitive
Security Clearance
SC Clearance eligible (existing SC preferred)
About the Role
We are seeking an experienced
Senior Estimating Quantity Surveyor to join our growing Defence Infrastructure team.
This role will play a key part in the successful pricing, tendering and commercial development of high-value projects across the Ministry of Defence (MOD), Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), and wider secure government estate.
The successful candidate will have a strong background in estimating and quantity surveying, with experience delivering complex construction, infrastructure, refurbishment or secure facility projects within the defence sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed cost plans, estimates, and tender submissions for defence and secure infrastructure projects.
- Review drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, and tender documentation.
- Undertake quantity take-offs and cost analysis.
- Obtain, analyse and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Identify commercial risks, opportunities, and value engineering proposals.
- Support bid strategy development and tender presentations.
- Produce accurate pricing models and budget forecasts.
- Liaise with project managers, design teams, clients, and supply chain partners.
- Ensure compliance with MOD, DIO and government procurement requirements.
- Support contract negotiations and pre-contract commercial activities.
- Maintain estimating databases and benchmark cost information.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and commercial controls.
Essential Requirements
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management or similar.
- Proven experience as an Estimating Quantity Surveyor, Estimator or Senior QS.
• Demonstrable experience working on
- MOD projects
- DIO frameworks
- Secure government facilities
- Defence infrastructure programmes
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies and project delivery.
- Experience preparing competitive tenders from £1m to £250m+.
- Excellent commercial awareness and cost management skills.
- Advanced Excel and estimating software capability.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable Experience
- Existing SC Clearance.
- NEC3 or NEC4 contract experience.
- RICS membership (MRICS) or working towards chartership.
• Experience across
- Military bases
- Barracks
- Airfields
- Naval facilities
- Critical national infrastructure
- Secure refurbishment programmes
- Key Competencies
- Commercial acumen
- Analytical thinking
- Attention to detail
- Risk management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Negotiation skills
- Problem solving
- Team collaboration
- Ideal Candidate Profile
8–15 years' experience in Quantity Surveying and Estimating, with a proven track record delivering MOD, DIO or defence-related projects.
