At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management on exciting rail infrastructure projects across the Northwest and Central regions.
- Company: Join Octavius, a leading civil engineering company shaping the future of transport in the UK.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive rewards package, including a company car scheme and private healthcare.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a major rail framework and influence projects from design to build.
- Qualifications: Experience as a QS or Senior Quantity Surveyor in infrastructure or civil engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are hiring Senior Quantity Surveyors to join our team at Octavius, working on a growing range of rail infrastructure projects in the Northwest and Central regions. Octavius is a leading civil engineering company delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions throughout the UK. As we expand our presence in the North, this is an excellent opportunity to join at the beginning of a long-term framework and play a key role in how it is delivered.
We have been appointed to Network Rail's North West & Central Capital Delivery Framework (CP7: 2024–2029), delivering multi-disciplinary rail projects along the West Coast Main Line corridor, from London through to the North West and beyond.
You’ll be working on…
- New station developments, upgrades and related infrastructure
- Rail electrification and power schemes
- Asset Framework Agreements (AFAs) for ongoing network improvements
Typical schemes range from £7m to £50m, with complex, multi-disciplinary delivery covering civils, buildings and rail systems.
In this role, you’ll:
- Lead the commercial management of your projects, ensuring strong financial performance
- Manage costs, forecasting, CVR and reporting, giving clarity to the wider team
- Oversee procurement and subcontractor management
- Manage risk, change and opportunities
- Support and develop junior commercial team members
Where you’ll fit
We’re recruiting for two positions within the same programme:
- North West-focused role working on major station and infrastructure projects around Manchester and Lancashire
- Central / Midlands role working on electrification, power schemes and AFAs in locations including Crewe, Birmingham and further south
You’ll be aligned to a core workstream but work as part of a wider, collaborative commercial team delivering across the framework. Early in the programme, you’ll typically work up to three days on site, with the team usually in Crewe on Wednesdays and Manchester on Thursdays. As projects move into build, increased site presence will be expected.
Why this role stands out
- Join a major Rail framework (2024–2029) at the start of delivery
- Opportunity to shape projects from design through to build
- Be part of building a regional commercial capability in a growing framework
- Work on larger, long-term infrastructure schemes, not short-term work
This is an opportunity to join a programme that combines station builds, civils and rail systems, giving real variety and career development.
You’ll receive…
We offer a competitive rewards package, including:
- Company Car scheme
- Private Healthcare
- Pension and Life Assurance
- 25 days Annual Leave, plus a day off for your birthday
- Hybrid working where possible
- Enhanced family leave packages
- Ongoing development and career progression opportunities
About you…
You’re either already working at Senior Quantity Surveyor level, or you’re an experienced QS ready to step up into a more senior, independent role. You’re comfortable managing your own workload, building relationships, and providing commercial insight to project teams.
You’ll bring:
- Experience as a QS or Senior Quantity Surveyor within infrastructure or civil engineering
- Strong knowledge of cost management, forecasting and contract administration
- Experience of working with NEC contracts (ideally NEC4)
- Background in rail or similar complex infrastructure environments
- Confidence managing supply chain and subcontractor relationships
- Experience in rail electrification or power projects (desirable)
Why join Octavius?
At Octavius, you’ll be trusted to take ownership, supported to grow, and encouraged to make a real impact. As we build our presence in the North, this is a rare opportunity to join at the start of a long-term framework, shape how it's delivered, and grow your career alongside it.
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, Rail Framework – NW & Central in Manchester 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, Rail Framework – NW & Central in Manchester
✨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, Rail Framework – NW & Central at Octavius Infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor, Rail Framework – NW & Central in Manchester
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!
