At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage MEP packages from pre-contract to final account, ensuring profitability and strategic influence.
- Company: Established main contractor specialising in data centres and defence projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, pension, and structured progression.
- Why this job: Gain real influence over major projects and protect significant financial interests.
- Qualifications: Proven experience as a Senior QS in MEP packages, especially in data centre construction.
- Other info: Confidential initial discussions; no CV required at first contact.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 81000 £ per year.
This is not a box-ticking commercial role. The business has secured a strong pipeline of technically complex data centre and defence projects, and they are strengthening their senior commercial capability to protect margin, control risk and maximise value across large MEP packages. They are looking for a commercially intelligent Senior QS who understands that on major MEP schemes, detail and structure protect profitability.
The Business: A long-established main contractor delivering specialist projects across:
- Data Centres
- Defence
- Infrastructure
- Energy & Secure Facilities
They operate full design & build and take commercial governance seriously. This isn't volume contracting. It's complex, high-value, technically demanding work. Strong repeat clients. Strong secured pipeline. Measured growth.
The Role: You will take full commercial responsibility for MEP packages from pre-contract through final account. This includes:
- Full commercial management of MEP packages
- Procurement strategy and subcontract negotiation
- Managing change, variations and entitlement recovery
- Cashflow forecasting and cost/value reporting
- Contractual notices and risk management
- Subcontract account management and final accounts
- Advising project leadership on contractual rights and strategy
You’ll work closely with Project Directors, Technical Managers and Delivery teams to ensure projects meet turnover, cash and margin targets. This is a commercially accountable position - not a reporting function.
What Makes This Interesting:
- Major data centre exposure
- Defence projects with long-term security
- Significant MEP values
- Real influence over procurement and strategy
- Direct interface with senior commercial leadership
- Structured commercial controls and governance
You won't be chasing minor variations. You'll be protecting serious numbers.
What They’re Looking For:
- Proven Senior QS experience on MEP packages
- Strong background in Data Centre construction (essential)
- Experience working for a main contractor or MEP specialist
- Good working knowledge of NEC 3/4 and/or JCT
- Confident managing change and contractual entitlement
- Commercially assertive but pragmatic
- Professional membership (MRICS / MCIOB) welcomed but not essential if experience is strong.
The Package: £80,000 - £95,000 + Package depending on experience, car allowance/vehicle, bonus, pension, structured progression pathway, long-term pipeline stability.
Who This Suits: A Senior QS delivering data centre MEP packages who wants greater influence, a commercially driven QS tired of weak contract administration, someone managing major packages but not recognised at senior level, a strategic thinker who understands entitlement, risk and recovery.
Interested? This role is being handled discreetly. Initial conversations are confidential and informal. CV not required at first discussion.
Senior MEP Quantity Surveyor QS employer: Nimble Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Nimble Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior MEP Quantity Surveyor QS
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior QS role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching the company and their projects. We want you to show off your knowledge about data centres and defence projects. It’ll help you stand out as someone who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior QS, you’ll need to be confident in managing contracts and procurement strategies. We suggest role-playing with a friend to get comfortable discussing terms and conditions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to reach out directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior MEP Quantity Surveyor QS
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that align with the Senior QS role. Highlight your experience in managing MEP packages and any relevant data centre projects to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention your strategic thinking and how you’ve successfully managed change and risk in previous projects.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: We’re looking for someone who understands the commercial side of things. Be sure to include examples of how you've protected margins and maximised value in past roles, especially in complex projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Nimble Recruitment
✨Know Your MEP Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of MEP packages, especially in the context of data centres and defence projects. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed complex MEP schemes, highlighting how you protected profitability and controlled risks.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
This role is all about commercial responsibility, so be prepared to demonstrate your understanding of procurement strategies and subcontract negotiations. Think of scenarios where you've had to manage change or recover entitlements, and be ready to explain your approach and the outcomes.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Contractual Frameworks
Since a good working knowledge of NEC 3/4 and/or JCT is essential, make sure you can discuss these frameworks confidently. Prepare to talk about how you've applied these contracts in previous roles, particularly in managing cashflow forecasting and cost/value reporting.
✨Engage with Project Leadership
This position requires close collaboration with Project Directors and Technical Managers. Think about how you've effectively communicated with senior leadership in the past. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve influenced project outcomes and ensured that targets were met, showcasing your strategic thinking.