At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs and oversee commercial aspects of exciting fit-out projects.
- Company: Dynamic contractor specialising in fast-track retail and leisure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible freelance work, and involvement in high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact on diverse, fast-paced projects.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in commercial fit-out projects and excellent Excel skills.
- Other info: Ideal for seasoned QS seeking flexibility and variety in their work.
A growing main contractor delivering fast-track retail, leisure and specialist fit-out projects across the UK, including padel clubs, gyms and commercial spaces, is looking to engage an experienced Quantity Surveyor / Commercial QS. With projects typically ranging from £500k to £4m and involving M&E and steel-heavy elements, the business operates in a fast-paced environment where commercial control, practicality and speed of delivery are essential.
They are seeking to appoint someone on a freelance or retained basis (circa 12 days per week) to provide commercial oversight across multiple live and pre-construction projects, rather than bringing in a full-time hire.
This is a hands-on commercial role supporting both pre-contract and live project delivery across several fast-track schemes at once. The role will be responsible for:
- Producing pre-contract cost plans and supporting value engineering
- Managing live cost control, forecasting and commercial reporting
- Handling variations, change control and agreeing final accounts
- Working comfortably within cost-plus and Design & Build arrangements
- Supporting multiple projects simultaneously with clear, practical commercial input
- Working closely with the delivery team and being site-aware rather than office-bound
- Using Excel and commercial tools effectively to maintain clear cost visibility
The Ideal Candidate Will Have
- Strong experience on commercial, fit-out, leisure or industrial projects
- Proven track record in pre-contract cost planning and value engineering
- Experience managing live project costs, variations and final accounts
- Familiarity with cost-plus and D&B project structures
- A practical, site-aware approach to commercial management
- Strong Excel skills and a no-nonsense, delivery-focused mindset
- Ability to work independently and support multiple fast-moving projects
- UK based, ideally London / South focused
This role would suit a seasoned QS who prefers flexible freelance/retained work and enjoys being involved across a range of interesting, fast-paced projects.
Salary / Package
- £350 - £450 per day, depending on experience
- Freelance or retained basis (circa 12 days per week)
- Flexible engagement with a growing, dynamic contractor
- Opportunity to be involved in multiple high-profile leisure and fit-out schemes
To apply or learn more, please send your CV in response to this advert.
Ping International Recruitment is a specialist international recruitment agency working globally across the architecture and engineering sectors. To stay updated with our latest roles, visit our website.
By applying for this role, you are agreeing to our privacy policy. A copy can be found on our website.
Senior Quantity Surveyor (Commercial Manager) employer: Ping International Recruitment Ltd
Contact Detail:
Ping International Recruitment Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor (Commercial Manager)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the industry and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead on a freelance QS role that fits your skills.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your experience and connect with potential employers. Share insights about your past projects and engage with relevant content to get noticed.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job ads to pop up. Reach out directly to companies you admire, like the one in the job description, and express your interest in freelance opportunities. A personal touch can go a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a range of exciting roles waiting for you. Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your commercial management skills and experience in fast-paced environments.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor (Commercial Manager)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in commercial, fit-out, and leisure projects. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing your relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Excel Skills: Since strong Excel skills are a must-have for this role, consider including specific examples of how you've used Excel in your previous projects. We love seeing practical applications that demonstrate your expertise!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so avoid fluff and focus on what makes you the ideal candidate for this fast-paced environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Ping International Recruitment Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning and management. Brush up on your previous projects and be ready to discuss specific figures, cost control methods, and how you handled variations. This shows you’re not just familiar with the theory but have practical experience.
✨Showcase Your Site Awareness
This role requires a hands-on approach, so make sure to highlight your site experience during the interview. Share examples of how you've worked closely with delivery teams and managed costs on-site. This will illustrate your ability to balance commercial oversight with practical execution.
✨Excel Skills are Key
Since strong Excel skills are essential for this position, be prepared to discuss how you’ve used Excel in your previous roles. You might even want to bring along a sample of your work or be ready to solve a quick problem on the spot to showcase your proficiency.
✨Be Ready for Fast-Paced Scenarios
Given the fast-track nature of the projects, expect questions about how you handle multiple projects simultaneously. Prepare to discuss your time management strategies and how you prioritise tasks under pressure. This will show that you can thrive in a dynamic environment.