At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs and budgets for construction projects while collaborating with design teams and subcontractors.
- Company: Join Places for People, the UK's leading social enterprise focused on community building and sustainable development.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, generous holiday, pension contributions, and exciting discounts.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced, collaborative environment that values your input in shaping thriving communities.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Quantity Surveyor in construction is essential; MRICS qualification is a plus.
- Other info: This role offers diverse challenges and opportunities for professional growth in a supportive team.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
As the UK’s leading social enterprise, Places for People take a commercial approach to Community building. Through our end-to-end Developments business, we seek to maximise value in all its forms and for all stakeholders, while creating and supporting Communities that deliver optimum social, economical and environmentally-balanced outcomes.
We have a long-term commitment to designing, constructing and selling quality homes in sustainable, inclusive and thriving Communities equipped with comprehensive social and commercial amenities and infrastructure.
More about your role
This role is within Places for People Developments, Scotland Region, and will be based at our office in Inverness.
You will be responsible for understanding, quantifying, budgeting and managing the costs of the building work involved in a construction project. Your work will depend on the development cycle of the site and may involve working with the design team to identify the resources and materials, allocating work out to suppliers, partners and subcontractors. On occasion you stay with the project through to the end, preparing subcontract payment notices; monthly cost reporting, valuing variations and pricing customer extras, and keeping the Senior Quantity Surveyor fully updated and assisting with final accounts.
Being a Quantity Surveyor requires a good working knowledge of the construction industry and a strong interest in keeping up with new developments. There can be some overlap, but the day-to-day roles and responsibilities of a Quantity Surveyor in Places Developments will vary according to the stage of the project you’re working on, meaning this is be a fast-paced and varied role.
The role will involve clear understanding and close control of all development costs, across the full scope of project QS activities; from tender enquiries and subcontractor appointments to dealing with monthly applications for payment, control and agreement of variations, prelims cost control and monthly cost reporting. You will have a key involvement in monthly team meetings, risk and opportunity reviews and CVR meetings with senior management. It is a fast-paced and varied role, where the commercial team are at the heart of the development process. The role involves close links and communication with colleagues in the project team, subcontractors and our finance and sales teams.
More about you
You will have several years of broad experience as a Quantity Surveyor in the construction industry, ideally in housebuilding, covering tendering, post-contract and full cost report preparation. A background across all trades is helpful, as is some exposure to and understanding of general infrastructure and groundworks. Linked to this commercial grounding, a good understanding of construction sequencing and interaction of trades in the build process is a key requirement. An appropriate qualification such as MRICS, or studying towards it, would be beneficial though not essential. An interest in getting involved in the cost planning and budget preparation of future developments is desirable. You will show determination to deal with key issues, drive cost savings and influence colleagues to help achieve commercial team objectives.
This role is highly collaborative and you will need the ability to work as part of a close knit management team and manage numerous activities / projects simultaneously – both short and long term. You will work with a number of internal and external stakeholders and will need to be able to evidence at interview where you have built long-term relationships using your strong influencing and negotiation skills.
The benefits
We are a large diverse and ambitious business, which will give you all the challenge you could wish for.
We know that there’s always more we can do to make you smile, that’s why we offer a comprehensive benefits package with each role, yours will include:
- Competitive salary, with a salary review yearly
- Pension with matched contributions up to 7%
- Excellent holiday package – 36 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell leave
- Cashback plan for healthcare costs – up to £500 saving per year
- A bonus scheme
- Training and development
- Company Car/Car Allowance
- Extra perks including huge discounts and offers from shops, cinemas and much more.
What’s next?
If you meet the criteria and are ready to make the next step in your career then click apply. You will be redirected to our careers site where you can discover more about the role, read a full job description and apply directly to us.
If you are a Places for People customer and you’re looking for support with your application, please contact our skills and employment team on .
If you are a recruitment agency please note we operate a PSL and do not take cold calls
Quantity Surveyor employer: Places Development
Contact Detail:
Places Development Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the specific projects and developments that Places for People is involved in, especially in the Scotland Region. Understanding their approach to community building and sustainable development will help you align your experience and values with theirs during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Highlight your experience in managing costs and budgets in construction projects. Be prepared to discuss specific examples where you've successfully controlled costs or influenced project outcomes, as this will demonstrate your capability to handle the fast-paced nature of the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative skills by preparing examples of how you've worked effectively with various stakeholders, including design teams, subcontractors, and finance teams. This will illustrate your ability to thrive in a team-oriented environment, which is crucial for this position.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the construction industry, particularly in housebuilding and infrastructure. Being knowledgeable about current practices will not only enhance your discussions but also show your commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and requirements of a Quantity Surveyor at Places for People. Familiarize yourself with the construction industry, cost management, and the specific tasks mentioned in the job description.
Tailor Your CV: Customize your CV to highlight relevant experience in quantity surveying, particularly in housebuilding and cost reporting. Emphasize your skills in budgeting, managing costs, and working collaboratively with project teams.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a compelling cover letter that showcases your passion for community building and your understanding of the role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage costs and work with various stakeholders effectively.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: If you have qualifications such as MRICS or are studying towards it, be sure to mention this in your application. Also, include any other relevant certifications or training that align with the job requirements.
How to prepare for a job interview at Places Development
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to discuss your previous experience as a Quantity Surveyor in detail. Highlight specific projects you've worked on, focusing on your role in budgeting, cost management, and collaboration with design teams.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Stay updated on the latest trends and developments in the construction industry. Be ready to discuss how these changes could impact cost management and project delivery, showing your commitment to continuous learning.
✨Highlight Collaboration Skills
Since this role involves working closely with various stakeholders, prepare examples that demonstrate your ability to build long-term relationships and effectively communicate with team members, subcontractors, and finance teams.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage costs under pressure. Think of examples where you successfully navigated challenges in cost control or project management.