At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead QS support across design, tender, construction, and close-out stages for exciting projects.
- Company: Join Planex Controls, a dynamic consultancy in project management and controls.
- Benefits: Competitive day rate, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Flexible project-based role with opportunities for collaboration and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the Scottish Highlands while working on complex engineering projects.
- Qualifications: MRICS/Chartered QS status or equivalent experience required.
Location: Fort William, Scotland / Hybrid, with occasional project site attendance (15 compulsory site visits over 24 month period/ remainder remote)
Engagement: Freelance, outside IR35, subconsultant / retained project support
Rate: Competitive day rate, inclusive of normal travel and expenses
Start date: end July 2026
Expected Duration: 24 months
About us
Planex Controls is a UK based Project Management and Controls consultancy supporting complex engineering and construction projects. We provide project controls, planning, construction management and commissioning support to enable clients to improve delivery certainty across cost, schedule, HSE and quality. We work across regulated and capital intensive sectors, supporting project teams with practical delivery expertise and scalable resourcing solutions.
About the opportunity
Planex Controls is looking to speak with an experienced Quantity Surveyor who may be interested in supporting us as a named QS Lead for a long term project in Scottish Highlands. The requirement is for project based QS support across defined stages of work, with input increasing around key deliverables such as cost planning, tender preparation, BOQ production, tender analysis, valuations, financial reporting and final account.
This opportunity is aimed at a Chartered Quantity Surveyor / MRICS QS, or a QS practice able to provide a named Chartered QS Lead.
What you’ll be doing
- Provide QS support when required across design, tender, construction and close out stages, including:
- Acting as named QS Lead, Responsible Person or Key Personnel where required for tender and project delivery purposes
- Preparing, maintaining and presenting cost plans
- Preparing initial budget estimates and feasibility cost advice
- Preparing cashflow forecasts and regular cost reports
- Reviewing design information and advising on cost implications
- Supporting value engineering and value management exercises
- Advising on commercial risk, procurement strategy and market conditions
- Preparing tender documentation, pricing documents and schedules of rates
- Preparing bills of quantities where required
- Supporting Employer’s Requirements and contractor tender packs
- Assisting with contractor selection, vetting and tender interviews
- Reviewing tender returns for errors, exclusions, qualifications, omissions and pricing risk
- Preparing tender reports and tender recommendation reports
- Supporting contract preparation and contract award documentation
- Attending design team meetings, project meetings and site progress meetings where required
- Undertaking site visits to assess progress for interim valuations
- Reviewing and assessing variations, change control items and dayworks
- Preparing interim valuation recommendations
- Supporting payment notice and pay less notice processes where required
- Maintaining cost plans, cashflows and cost forecasts during construction
- Supporting final account preparation, negotiation and agreement
- Supporting final valuation and financial close out
What we’re looking for
- MRICS / Chartered QS status, or strong equivalent professional experience
- Experience delivering QS services across RIBA stages 2 to 6
- Strong cost planning, estimating and financial reporting experience
- Experience preparing BOQs, tender documentation and pricing documents
- Knowledge of NRM 2 measurement principles
- Understanding of IPMS and ICMS cost classification principles where applicable
- Good knowledge of construction contracts and procurement routes
- Experience reviewing tender returns and preparing tender reports
- Experience assessing valuations, variations, change control and final accounts
- Ability to identify and manage commercial risk
- Experience contributing to value engineering and value management
- Understanding of CDM Regulations 2015 from a consultant and project delivery perspective
- Strong written reporting skills
- Confidence attending client, design team, contractor and site meetings
- Ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams
- Strong attention to detail and ability to work to fixed deadlines
- Good commercial judgement and professional integrity
- Ability to manage confidential information professionally
Working arrangement
This would be a flexible project based arrangement rather than a permanent full time role. The likely model is:
- Agreed support during bid stage
- Named QS Lead input for tender submissions where mutually agreed
- Stage based input if the project is awarded
- Remote attendance at design or project meetings where required
- Site attendance when needed for valuations, progress reviews or key meetings
- Wider collaboration opportunities with Planex Controls where there is a good fit
Chartered Quantity Surveyor employer: Planex Controls
Planex Controls is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Chartered Quantity Surveyors to engage in meaningful projects within the stunning Scottish Highlands. With a flexible hybrid working model and competitive day rates, we foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises professional growth and development, ensuring our team members can thrive while contributing to complex engineering and construction projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Chartered Quantity Surveyor
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Chartered Quantity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Planex Controls.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Planex Controls know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Planex Controls
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Planex Controls. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
