At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial delivery of highways projects and manage budgets effectively.
- Company: Join Octavius, a top civil engineering firm focused on sustainable transport solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a company car, private healthcare, generous leave, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Embrace a hands-on role in a dynamic environment with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while mentoring junior team members.
- Qualifications: Experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor with strong NEC contract knowledge and client management skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're recruiting for a Senior Quantity Surveyor (SQS) to join the self-delivery arm of Octavius, taking a key commercial lead on a Somerset-based highways framework (circa £6m per annum). Octavius is a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable and efficient transport solutions across the UK. Through Octavius Regional Civil Engineering, we directly deliver our works, giving you greater influence over commercial performance, programme and project outcomes from day one. Your first major scheme will be a £3.5m roundabout project, with construction starting in July, giving you immediate exposure to a live, high-impact delivery environment. Due to the nature of the work, strong site presence is essential, and this role will be predominantly site-based.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the commercial delivery of highways schemes, ensuring projects are delivered profitably and in line with contract requirements
- Managing budgets, forecasts, CVRs and cash flow, providing accurate and timely reporting
- Taking ownership of NEC contract administration, including early warnings, compensation events and change management
- Procuring and managing subcontractors, while working closely with delivery teams in a self-delivery environment
- Driving value engineering and efficiencies across both individual schemes and the wider framework
- Acting as the key commercial contact for the client, building and maintaining strong working relationships
- Supporting and mentoring junior commercial team members where required
- Working closely with operational teams to ensure commercial decisions actively support delivery on site
This is a highly visible, hands-on role within a self-delivery model, where your commercial decisions will directly influence project success.
Benefits
- Company Car / Car Allowance
- Private Healthcare
- Pension & Life Assurance
- 25 days Annual Leave + birthday day off
- Enhanced Paternity & Maternity package
- Flexibility / hybrid working where possible
- Ongoing career development and progression opportunities
About You
You’ll be an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor able to own a framework, with the confidence to take ownership of both projects and client relationships.
- Experience in a Senior QS or strong QS role within civil engineering / highways
- Proven track record of managing commercial aspects of projects from start to finish
- Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts (essential)
- Experience of forecasting, reporting, cost control and change management
- Ability to manage client and stakeholder relationships confidently
- Strong commercial awareness with negotiation and decision-making ability
- Experience in a self-delivery / principal contractor environment (highly desirable)
If you want to take ownership of a framework, not just a project, apply now. 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 - Somerset employer: Octavius Infrastructure
Octavius is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where Senior Quantity Surveyors can thrive in a hands-on role that directly impacts project success. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including private healthcare and flexible working options, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Octavius fosters a culture of collaboration and growth, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in civil engineering.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor - Somerset
✨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 - Somerset at Octavius Infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor - Somerset
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!
