OCS are currently working with a highly regarded specialist construction and engineering business who are looking to bring a Graduate or Assistant Quantity Surveyor into their commercial team. This is a particularly exciting opportunity for a graduate looking to build a career within a business that has an established UK presence and has recently secured a number of major schemes across Europe, including within the rapidly growing Data Centre sector. Why is this opportunity different? Rather than joining a large corporate environment and becoming a small part of a huge commercial team, this role offers the opportunity to gain genuine hands-on experience across major projects and develop alongside an experienced commercial team. With a growing pipeline of Data Centre projects across Europe, there is also the potential for exposure to international projects and different construction markets as your career develops. Who are they looking for? The ideal candidate will have: ✅ A Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Economics or a related commercial discipline ✅ Ideally, some industry placement / internship experience ✅ Strong numerical and analytical skills ✅ Good commercial awareness ✅ An interest in the construction industry and project delivery ✅ Strong communication and organisational skills ✅ A genuine desire to develop into a well-rounded Quantity Surveyor Graduate Quantity Surveyors are encouraged to apply, as are Assistant QS candidates with some commercial experience. The Role Working alongside the wider commercial team, you'll gain exposure to a broad range of QS responsibilities, including: * Measurement and valuation * Subcontract procurement and management * Cost reporting * Variations and change management * Payment applications * Commercial reporting * Cost control and forecasting * Supporting the management of subcontractor accounts * Assisting with commercial negotiations * Working with project teams to ensure commercial performance You'll be given the opportunity to develop your commercial knowledge while working on high-value, technically challenging projects. UK & European Opportunities One of the biggest attractions of this role is the company's growing international pipeline. They have secured a number of projects across Europe within the Data Centre sector, giving ambitious graduates the potential to gain exposure to an increasingly important area of the construction industry. For the right person, this could provide a career path that extends well beyond traditional UK-based QS work. Benefits A great first step in your QS career If you've recently graduated with a commercial / quantity surveying degree, have completed a placement and are looking for somewhere you can genuinely learn, develop and progress, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Equally, if you're currently an Assistant Quantity Surveyor and want to join a business with an exciting UK and European project pipeline, I'd be keen to speak with you
Graduate QS in London employer: OCS Recruitment Ltd
OCS is an exceptional employer, offering Site Engineers the chance to work on a prestigious £12m residential development in Hertfordshire. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, OCS provides ample opportunities for professional development while ensuring a supportive environment where your contributions are valued. Join a well-established contractor that prioritises safety, quality, and innovation in every project.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate QS in London
✨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 OCS Recruitment Ltd, 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 Graduate QS at OCS Recruitment Ltd.
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 OCS Recruitment Ltd
✨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!
