At a Glance
- Tasks: Plan and manage exciting construction projects from start to finish.
- Company: Join a supportive council team in beautiful Orkney.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and relocation package available.
- Other info: Great career growth opportunities and a dynamic work environment.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in your community through impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quantity Surveying and Project Management is essential.
The predicted salary is between 27.9 - 27.9 £ per hour.
Council Offices, Kirkwall
35 hours per week
Permanent £48,017 - £50,919
£26.31 - £27.90 per hour
The above amounts include Distant Islands Allowance.
You will be reporting to the Team Manager (Projects).
Your working pattern is 09:00-17:00, Monday to Friday. We are happy to talk flexible working, where possible.
The purpose of this role is to plan, manage and deliver a wide range of capital and revenue projects and commissions, as allocated by the Service Manager Property and Capital Programme and/or delegate.
We are seeking an experienced professional with Quantity Surveying and Project Management skills to join an established Projects team.
The post holder will be responsible for the execution of allocated projects from early inception to completion by carrying out the full range of professional duties associated with undertaking construction projects including client meetings, programme management, procurement, cost reviews, payments, valuations, variations, order placing, enquiries, preparation of cost/value reconciliations, contract and contractor reviews.
You should be able to demonstrate the full range of professional duties associated with quantity surveying, with a good understanding of construction detailing, materials specification, contract administration and project management, together with an understanding of contract issues and CDM Regulations.
The necessary qualification, experience and skills required for this role are detailed in the 'must have' section of the attached job profile. These criteria are used for decisions on shortlisting and appointment of applicants.
This post requires a Level 1 Disclosure check.
Interview expenses are payable for this post.
Relocation package is available in line with Council Policy for this post.
Applications close at 23:59 on Sunday 28 June 2026, with shortlisting taking place week commencing 29 June 2026 and interviews scheduled for week commencing 20 July 2026.
For a discussion about the role, contact Erlend Poke, Team Manager Projects, e-mail: erlend.poke@orkney.gov.uk or Glen Thomson, Service Manager for Property and Capital Programme, e-mail: glen.thomson@orkney.gov.uk, or telephone 01856 873535.
For information on applying and our recruitment process, we would welcome your feedback on our recruitment process.
Senior Quantity Surveyor - ORK10418 in Kirkwall employer: Orkney Islands Council
Join our dedicated team in Kirkwall, where we prioritise a supportive work culture and offer flexible working arrangements to ensure a healthy work-life balance. As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will have the opportunity to manage diverse projects while benefiting from a competitive salary, relocation package, and professional growth within a well-established council environment committed to employee development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor - ORK10418 in Kirkwall
✨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 Orkney Islands Council, 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 - ORK10418 at Orkney Islands Council.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor - ORK10418 in Kirkwall
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 Orkney Islands Council
✨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!
