At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage project costs, ensure value for money, and support financial reporting.
- Company: Join a leading property services team committed to community welfare.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, generous leave, health perks, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a focus on diversity and community support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction sector while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction or social housing, strong organisational skills, and relevant qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a detail-focused and commercially aware Quantity Surveyor to join our Property Services team. In this role, you’ll support the delivery of our programmes by ensuring projects are managed effectively, remain within budget and deliver value for money. Working alongside the Commercial Manager and wider teams, you’ll play a key role in cost management, contract performance and financial reporting across our responsive, repairs, voids and compliance works.
Key Responsibilities
- Supporting competitive tendering processes and contractor appointments to ensure value for money
- Preparing and supporting Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), identifying risks and opportunities
- Producing accurate monthly commercial reports and forecasting costs and expenditure
- Monitoring budgets and financial performance, providing analysis and commentary on variances
- Managing variations, interim payments and final accounts to support accurate reporting
- Developing and maintaining project cashflows for income and expenditure
- Working closely with Delivery Managers to drive value and performance across projects
- Supporting contractor performance management against agreed KPIs
We are a full-time role working 37 hours per week. Hybrid working is available for this role working 2-3 days in the office dependent on business need. You will be based from one of our head offices – Exeter, Tolvaddon or Weston depending on candidate location. We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable groups. Appointment to this role is subject to a satisfactory basic DBS check.
About The Candidate
To be successful in your application for the role of Quantity Surveyor, you will have the essential skills and experience for a level 1 role and the following role specific skills and experience:
Essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications
- Experience within the social housing or construction sector
- Understanding of construction processes, contracts and industry frameworks (JCT knowledge desirable)
- Experience of producing or supporting Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs) and financial reporting
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage workloads and meet deadlines
- Good attention to detail and ability to prioritise effectively
- Strong communication and report writing skills
- IT proficiency, including Microsoft Office, Teams and databases
- Understanding of contract, project and programme management
- Knowledge of health and safety requirements within housing or construction
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings
Essential Qualifications
- ONC / HNC (or higher) in Construction, Building, Quantity Surveying or equivalent experience
- Full, valid UK driving licence
Desirable Skills, Knowledge, Experience and Qualifications
- Experience in retrofit or building safety environments
- Experience working with directly employed trades
- Knowledge of tendering and managing publicly funded contracts
- Membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RICS, CIOB)
Please note, we are unable to provide CoS for this role; therefore, applicants must have the right to work in the UK for the full duration of this role without requiring a CoS.
Our Reward and Benefits
- Working Style: Hybrid working with 2 - 3 days in the office to support your work/life balance.
- Generous Annual Leave: Start with 26 days, plus bank holidays, increasing to 30 days with length of service – and the option to purchase up to 5 extra days (pro rated for part time roles).
- Pension Contributions: Enjoy up to 9% employer contributions with our Defined Contribution scheme.
- Health Benefits and Perks: Access to a health care cash plan (worth up to £1,100 annually), virtual GP services, discounted gym memberships, and retail discounts including access to a Blue Light Card.
- Learning and Development: Invest in your future with ongoing personal and professional growth opportunities.
- Family Support: Policies designed to help you balance work and family life, including a new child payment.
- Wellbeing Matters: Prioritise your health with mental health support, enhanced sick pay, wellness campaigns, and free flu jabs.
- Smarter Travel: Save with our Cycle to Work and Car Benefit schemes.
- Giving Back: Up to four paid volunteering days a year to support our communities.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We welcome individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives to join our team. LiveWest is dedicated to equal opportunity and actively works to eliminate discrimination and promote diversity at all levels. LiveWest is a proud member of Inclusive Employers, a Disability Confident Employer, and a signatory of the Armed Forces Covenant. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered.
Quantity Surveyor - Property Services in Exeter employer: LiveWest
LiveWest is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth, offering a hybrid working model to support work-life balance. With generous annual leave, robust pension contributions, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, employees can thrive in a supportive environment while contributing to meaningful projects in the social housing sector. The company also provides unique benefits such as health care cash plans, family support policies, and opportunities for community engagement through paid volunteering days.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor - Property Services in Exeter
✨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 LiveWest, 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 - Property Services at LiveWest.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor - Property Services in Exeter
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 LiveWest
✨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!
