At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial role on a major highways project, managing costs and subcontractors.
- Company: Join Octavius, a forward-thinking company transforming the Midlands road network.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rewards package, including a company car scheme and private healthcare.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive team that values diversity and supports your professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a flagship infrastructure project while growing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Quantity Surveyor with strong knowledge of earthworks and NEC contracts.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're recruiting for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join us at Octavius. This is an opportunity to take a lead commercial role on the A46 Walsgrave Junction upgrade, a major highways scheme near Coventry that will transform a key stretch of the Midlands road network. The project will replace the existing junction with a new grade-separated solution, improving capacity, safety and journey reliability on one of the region's most important routes. With construction starting this year and running through to 2028, you'll be joining at the right time to influence how the project is delivered.
You’ll be working on a high-value earthworks / groundworks package (circa £17–18m) as part of a wider £130m scheme. You’ll take ownership of the commercial performance of your package from the early stages through to delivery; managing subcontractors, overseeing cost reporting and forecasting, administering change, and ensuring the project team has clear, accurate commercial insight throughout. This is a role where you’ll have the space to run your package, while still being part of a wider commercial team that is visible, engaged and working closely together to deliver the project.
You’ll work with a collaborative project team delivering a flagship National Highways scheme. You’ll be working alongside operational and engineering teams on a daily basis, building strong relationships with supply chain partners and contributing to a culture where commercial thinking is embedded across delivery. You’ll report into an experienced Managing Quantity Surveyor, with regular interaction across the commercial team, so while you’ll have autonomy, you’ll also have the support and challenge that comes from a strong, present team around you.
Given the nature of the role and the importance of being close to delivery, you’ll spend the majority of your time in the office/site environment (circa 4 days per week).
You’ll receive a competitive rewards package, including:
- Company Car scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Pension & Life Assurance
- 25 days' annual leave, plus your birthday off
- Enhanced maternity & paternity packages
- Hybrid working where possible
- Ongoing personal and professional development
Alongside this, you’ll have the opportunity to build your career on a major infrastructure project with a strong forward pipeline in the region, not just a single project role.
About you: You’re confident taking ownership of a package and managing its commercial performance end-to-end. You’re comfortable operating in a project environment, working closely with operational teams, challenging where needed, and making sure the commercial position is always understood and under control. You’ll bring a proactive, solutions-focused approach, strong attention to detail, and the ability to manage competing priorities without losing sight of the bigger picture.
You’ll bring:
- Experience as a Quantity Surveyor or Senior Quantity Surveyor within civil engineering or infrastructure
- Strong experience in earthworks and/or groundworks packages
- Experience working for a main contractor and/or subcontractor
- Good knowledge of NEC contracts (Option C)
- Confidence managing subcontract accounts, change control and cost reporting
- The ability to operate independently and take ownership of your work
- A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar (or equivalent experience)
- Professional membership (RICS / CICES) – desirable
This project builds on the successful delivery of nearby A46 junction upgrades and sits on a key strategic corridor connecting the Midlands to the wider motorway network. For the right person, it offers a balance of meaningful ownership, a well-defined package, and long-term opportunity beyond the life of a single scheme. If you’re looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact on a major project, while continuing to grow your career in a supportive and forward-looking business, we’d love to hear from you.
Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.
Senior Quantity Surveyor – A46 Walsgrave Project in Birmingham employer: Octavius Infrastructure
Octavius is an excellent employer, offering a flexible working environment in Winchester that promotes a healthy work-life balance. As a Learning & Development Administrator, you will have the opportunity to take ownership of your role while contributing to the growth of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering critical infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee development and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Octavius provides a supportive culture where your contributions are valued and your professional growth is encouraged.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor – A46 Walsgrave Project in Birmingham
✨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 Octavius Infrastructure, 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 – A46 Walsgrave Project at Octavius Infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor – A46 Walsgrave Project in Birmingham
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 Octavius Infrastructure
✨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!
