OCS are currently working with a well-established rail and civils contractor operating across London and the South East, who is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team. This is a pivotal role for a commercially-minded professional with proven rail and civil engineering experience, who thrives on managing project budgets, controlling costs, and delivering value across complex infrastructure projects. The Role As Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will take full commercial responsibility for one or more rail or civils projects, working closely with project and site teams to ensure financial control, compliance, and commercial success from inception through to completion. Key responsibilities include: * Managing project budgets, cost plans, and cash flow forecasts specific to rail and civil engineering projects * Preparing and negotiating interim valuations, variations, and final accounts * Procuring and managing subcontract packages in line with rail/civils standards * Identifying and mitigating commercial risks and opportunities * Liaising with clients, designers, and supply chain partners on contractual and commercial matters * Ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations and contract requirements * Providing accurate cost reporting and commercial advice to senior management * Supporting and mentoring junior QS team members About You To be considered for this role, you will ideally have: * A degree or relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management * Proven Senior Quantity Surveyor experience in rail and/or civil engineering projects * Strong knowledge of contracts, preferably JCT and NEC, in rail/civils environments * Excellent commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and analytical ability * Confidence to operate autonomously while contributing to a wider commercial team * Understanding of CDM, risk management, and rail sector compliance standards What's on Offer * Competitive salary and benefits package * Exposure to high-profile rail and civil engineering projects in London and surrounding regions * Long-term career progression with a specialist contractor * A supportive, professional team environment with clear commercial leadership * The opportunity to take ownership of commercial management and influence project outcomes If you're a Senior Quantity Surveyor with proven rail and civils experience looking for a long-term, challenging, and rewarding role in London, this opportunity is well worth exploring
Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils 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 Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils 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 Senior Quantity Surveyor - Civils 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!
