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- Tasks: Oversee commercial management for new build residential schemes, managing costs and ensuring quality.
- Company: Join a leading housebuilder with a strong presence in the South West, known for integrity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, up to 33 days leave, private healthcare, and career progression.
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team that values collaboration and offers real opportunities for growth.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying; experience in residential housebuilding; strong budget management skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior surveyors and lead on large-scale developments.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We’re proud to be recruiting for an exciting opportunity on behalf of a leading housebuilder with a strong presence across the South West. This permanent role is based at one of the region’s flagship residential developments in Plymouth with operating office in Exeter.
As Senior Quantity Surveyor, you’ll play a key role in overseeing all aspects of commercial management for new build residential schemes. This includes managing project costs, enhancing value for money, and ensuring projects are delivered on budget, on time, and to high-quality standards.
What’s in it for you?- Competitive basic salary + annual bonus
- Choice of company car, car allowance, or travel allowance
- Up to 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)
- Private healthcare
- Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
- Competitive contributory pension scheme
- Life assurance (4x salary)
- Share incentive schemes
- Access to employee rewards portal
- Ongoing training and career progression opportunities
- HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying (Degree desirable)
- Experience as a PQS/SQS or Commercial Lead in residential housebuilding
- Knowledge of UK building regulations, legal obligations, and procurement processes
- Excellent budget and cost management skills
- Strong communication, negotiation, and organisational abilities
- High attention to detail and a methodical approach
- Ability to lead commercial aspects across large-scale developments
- Desire to mentor junior members of the team
- Working towards or holding professional membership (e.g., CIOB or RICS) is a plus
- Managing build costs, budgets, and tender processes across multiple residential sites
- Preparing and overseeing sub-contract packages and orders
- Reporting on costs, forecasting, and site valuations
- Leading on contract negotiations and commercial risk management
- Attending project meetings, subcontractor adjudications, and monthly valuation reviews
- Supporting the wider commercial team, mentoring junior surveyors, and ensuring financial control of projects
- Handling variation orders, final accounts, and retention releases
- Liaising with internal departments to ensure project and budget alignment
This is an outstanding opportunity to join a well-respected business that values integrity, quality, and collaboration — and one that offers real career progression within a dynamic and growing commercial team.
If you’d like to learn more, please contact O’Neill & Brennan in confidence. We’d love to discuss how this role could be the next big step in your career.
Senior Quantity Surveyor employer: O’Neill & Brennan UK
Contact Detail:
O’Neill & Brennan UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction and surveying industry, especially those who work in residential housebuilding. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects and developments that the company is involved in. This will not only help you understand their operations better but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews to demonstrate your genuine interest in their work.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with budget management and cost control in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed project costs in previous roles, as this is a key aspect of the Senior Quantity Surveyor position.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by highlighting any mentoring or team-leading experiences you have. The role involves supporting junior surveyors, so demonstrating your ability to guide and develop others will make you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in quantity surveying, particularly in residential housebuilding. Emphasise your skills in budget management, cost control, and any leadership roles you've held.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the requirements listed in the job description. Mention your qualifications, such as your HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, and how your experience aligns with the responsibilities of the role.
Showcase Relevant Achievements: Include specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed costs, led negotiations, or mentored junior team members. Quantify your achievements to demonstrate your impact.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Senior Quantity Surveyor.
How to prepare for a job interview at O’Neill & Brennan UK
✨Showcase Your Technical Knowledge
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of UK building regulations and procurement processes. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you've successfully managed costs and budgets, highlighting your technical expertise.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills in real-world situations. Think of examples where you've led contract negotiations or managed commercial risks, and be ready to explain your thought process and the outcomes.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Skills
Since the role involves mentoring junior surveyors, be sure to highlight your leadership experience. Share examples of how you've supported team members and contributed to their professional development, showcasing your ability to lead effectively.
✨Demonstrate Strong Communication Abilities
Effective communication is key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've liaised with various stakeholders, including internal departments and subcontractors, ensuring alignment on project goals and budgets. Clear examples will illustrate your organisational skills.
