At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitability on iconic residential developments and manage budgets from tender to handover.
- Company: Join a prestigious 5-star national housebuilder with a focus on sustainable communities.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, private healthcare, and 26 days holiday plus bank holidays.
- Other info: Flexible hybrid working options and opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Shape the future of homes while advancing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in residential housebuilding and proficiency in COINS software required.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.
Join a Leading 5-Star National Housebuilder – Shape the Future of Homes in the South West
Are you a proactive Quantity Surveyor with a passion for driving the efficiency and profitability of high-volume residential developments? Do you excel at turning data into pounds, spotting savings opportunities, and ensuring every project delivers maximum value? If so, our prestigious 5-star national housebuilder client is seeking a talented professional like you to join their tight-knit commercial team in the vibrant Exeter, Devon area. With a reputation for award-winning homes and sustainable communities, they are at the forefront of the UK's housing market and are ready to invest in your growth as part of their ambitious expansion strategy.
The Role: Drive Profitability on Iconic Developments
As a key player in their Exeter team, you'll take ownership of the commercial lifecycle for leading multi-phase developments, from tender to handover. Reporting to the Regional Commercial Manager, you'll collaborate with site teams, procurement experts, and design leads to deliver homes that make customers smile whilst safeguarding the bottom line. This is a hands-on role where your expertise in cost control will directly impact on the region's success.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Preparing and managing detailed budgets, valuations, and cost forecasts for residential sites, ensuring alignment with project timelines and quality standards.
- Leading procurement activities: sourcing subcontractors, negotiating contracts, and processing variations to secure best-in-class pricing and terms.
- Conducting value engineering exercises to identify innovative cost-saving measures without compromising on build quality or customer satisfaction.
- Utilising COINS financial management and reporting software to track expenditures, generate insightful reports, and perform real-time reconciliations between planned and actual costs.
- Analysing cash flows, mitigating risks, and maximising profits through proactive monitoring of site progress and market trends.
- Mentoring junior team members and contributing to cross-functional meetings to foster a culture of continuous improvement.
- Ensuring full compliance with industry regulations, health & safety standards, and internal policies.
What We're Looking For: Your Edge in Cost Management
- Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor in the residential housebuilding sector, ideally with exposure to large-scale developments (100+ units).
- Strong proficiency in COINS software for financial reporting, budgeting, and analytics – you'll be our go-to expert for leveraging its full capabilities.
- A sharp, analytical mindset with a track record of delivering tangible cost savings and profit enhancements through creative problem-solving.
- Excellent negotiation skills and a collaborative approach, with the ability to build strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders.
- Relevant qualifications (e.g., RICS accredited degree or MRICS/APC level) and a solid understanding of current building regulations, NHBC standards, and sustainable practices.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across Devon sites as needed.
What’s On Offer: Reward, Growth, and Balance
Committed to attracting and retaining top talent by offering more than just a job, the company is focused on building meaningful, fulfilling careers for their teams:
- Competitive Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 (DOE) + performance-based annual bonus.
- Comprehensive Benefits: Company car/allowance, private healthcare, pension scheme, life assurance, and on starting 26 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
- Career Development: Genuine progression pathways, including funded professional qualifications, leadership training, and exposure to national projects.
- Work-Life Harmony: Flexible hybrid working options, supportive team environment, and social events to celebrate wins.
- Perks: Cycle-to-work scheme, discounted home purchases, and ongoing learning via our in-house academy.
Exeter isn't just a location – it's a gateway to Devon's stunning landscapes, with easy commutes and a thriving local scene. Please send your CV if you wish to play a pivotal role in creating communities that last, whilst advancing your expertise in a company that's as invested in your success as you are.
O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality. All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation.
Quantity Surveyor employer: O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton
O'Neill & Brennan offers a dynamic work environment in Taunton, where innovation and collaboration are at the forefront of our culture. As a Senior Project Engineer, you will not only lead a talented team on a high-value project but also benefit from extensive professional development opportunities and a supportive atmosphere that values your contributions. Join us to be part of a company that prioritises employee growth and fosters a sense of community in the thriving construction sector.
Contact Details:
O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor
✨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 O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton, 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 Quantity Surveyor at O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor
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 O'Neill & Brennan - Taunton
✨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!
