At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in managing live construction projects and support experienced Quantity Surveyors.
- Company: Established construction company with a strong reputation and growth opportunities.
- Benefits: Salary up to £35,000, structured training, mentoring, and 28 days' holiday.
- Other info: Join a close-knit team and enjoy clear career progression.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a supportive environment and build a rewarding career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; strong numerical and communication skills.
Location: Cambridge, Cambridgeshire
Salary: Up to £35,000 depending on experience
Job Type: Full-Time | Permanent
Are you a Quantity Surveying graduate looking for your first opportunity with an established construction company where you can learn from experienced professionals and build a long-term career? Our client is a successful, privately owned main contractor with an excellent reputation for delivering quality construction projects across a variety of sectors. With a strong forward order book and continued growth, they are looking to recruit a Graduate Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team in Cambridge.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a graduate who wants more than simply an office-based training role. You will gain genuine exposure to live projects, work closely with experienced Quantity Surveyors and become involved in the commercial management of projects from tender through to completion.
The Opportunity
Joining the commercial team, you will be supported throughout your development while taking responsibility for a range of day-to-day commercial activities. You will gain experience across projects including:
- Commercial developments
- Office schemes
- Residential developments
- Healthcare projects
- Refurbishment and new-build construction
Your duties will include:
- Assisting Quantity Surveyors with the commercial management of live projects
- Supporting the preparation of valuations and applications for payment
- Assisting with cost reporting, forecasting and budget monitoring
- Helping with subcontractor procurement and account management
- Reviewing subcontractor applications and variations
- Assisting with tender preparation and pricing
- Supporting the management of project costs and expenditure
- Maintaining accurate commercial records and documentation
- Assisting with contractual administration
- Supporting the preparation and agreement of final accounts
- Identifying commercial risks and opportunities
- Working closely with site teams, clients, consultants and subcontractors
What We're Looking For
This role would suit a recent Quantity Surveying graduate who is commercially minded, ambitious and keen to learn. You should have:
- A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction or a related subject
- A genuine interest in pursuing a career within construction
- Strong numerical and analytical ability
- Good attention to detail
- Confident IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel
- Good written and verbal communication skills
- A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility
- The ability to work as part of a team and manage competing priorities
Previous construction experience or a placement year would be beneficial, but graduates without industry experience will be considered.
Why Join?
This is an opportunity to join a privately owned business where you can develop your career within a close-knit commercial team rather than becoming just another number in a large corporate organisation. You will benefit from:
- Salary up to £35,000 DOE
- Permanant employment with an established main contractor
- Structured training and ongoing professional development
- Direct support and mentoring from experienced Quantity Surveyors
- Exposure to a varied portfolio of construction projects
- Opportunities to develop both technically and commercially
- Clear long-term career progression
- Company pension scheme
- 28 days' holiday including Bank Holidays
- A collaborative and supportive working environment
Apply Today
If you're a Quantity Surveying graduate based in or around Cambridge and are looking for a genuine opportunity to start your career with a successful, privately owned main contractor, we'd like to hear from you.
Graduate Quantity Surveyor in Cambridge employer: PPM Recruitment
As an award-winning Principal Contractor, this company is an exceptional employer that prioritises collaboration and outstanding client service in the construction industry. Located in Cambridge, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that emphasises safety, quality, and performance, alongside competitive salaries, professional development opportunities, and the chance to work on prestigious projects. With a commitment to employee growth and a focus on sustainability, this is a rewarding environment for Site Managers looking to advance their careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Graduate Quantity Surveyor in Cambridge
✨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 PPM Recruitment, 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 Graduate Quantity Surveyor at PPM Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Graduate Quantity Surveyor in Cambridge
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 PPM Recruitment
✨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!
