At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for accommodation projects, ensuring quality and budget adherence.
- Company: Join the Ministry of Defence, dedicated to protecting our country and its values.
- Benefits: Hybrid work model, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on housing services for service families while ensuring value for public funds.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quantity Surveying and strong stakeholder engagement skills required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
On behalf of the MOD, we are looking for Quantity Surveyor x2 (Inside IR35) for a contract which runs to the end of March 2027 and is a hybrid role requiring up to 2 days a week across 2 locations: Catterick in North Yorkshire and Larkhill in Wiltshire.
The Quantity Surveyor (QS) ensures adherence with all DIO processes and operating procedures. The objective of the cost management function within DIO Accn is to provide timely and accurate cost management support and information to the Operational delivery teams. This role provides the intelligent client interface with industry in relation to cost management.
The QS will lead and manage cost management support in the delivery of accommodation related projects within the Service Family Accommodation (SFA) Estate portfolio, ensuring that outputs meet quality, time and budget expectations. Operating at a Senior Executive Officer (SEO) level, the QS will ensure public funds achieve optimal value for money while mitigating commercial risks, supporting strategic priorities, ensuring compliance with MOD and government standards and commitments, and contributing to the continuous improvement of housing services across the Defence Estate.
As a Quantity Surveyor, your main responsibilities will be:
- Lead the preparation of feasibility estimates, cost plans, and bills of quantities.
- Manage project budgets and compile detailed regular financial forecasts.
- Undertake value engineering to drive efficiency in public spending.
- Resolve contract disputes, compensation events, and variation claims appropriate to individual projects.
- Conduct detailed financial evaluations of contractor proposals, valuations and final accounts through evaluation of construction works submissions, reviewing calculated quantities of materials for the build, including labour and work costs.
- Investigate and escalate supplier issues where necessary, supporting remediation planning and compliance assurance.
- Develop and maintain strong, professional relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including service families, housing officers, suppliers and DIO colleagues.
- Act as a focal point of contact for queries, updates, and project related cost issues within the assigned region.
- Facilitate regular engagement forums, briefings and site visits with stakeholders to provide project updates, gather feedback and manage expectations.
- Work collaboratively across functions and delivery partners to resolve challenges, remove blockers and promote cohesive, customer focused outcomes.
- Support the embedding of a positive stakeholder culture that values openness, trust, accountability and continuous improvement in housing delivery services.
- Ensure all reporting aligns with MOD, DIO and IPA project assurance frameworks.
- Maintain a robust audit trail for key decisions and project changes, ensuring transparency, accountability and readiness for internal and external scrutiny.
- Promote a culture of evidence-based decision making through clear, accurate and consistent reporting.
Essential Skills:
- Experience as a Quantity Surveyor across residential buildings within either the public or private sectors.
- Demonstrable experience in supplier/contract management, cost and value management including assurance against KPIs, handling underperformance, and supporting remediation.
- Experience using project documentation tools (e.g. RAID logs, highlight reports, risk registers, delivery dashboards).
- Stakeholder engagement at all levels across the business.
- Ability to manage complex or multi-site projects, balancing competing priorities, risk and dependencies.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
Desirable Skills:
- Experience in contracting through Frameworks e.g. Crown Commercial Services would be highly beneficial.
Qualifications:
- A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management would be highly beneficial.
- Chartered status with a relevant body is highly beneficial.
- Prince or AMP qualification is desirable.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident: As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, the MOD guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Armed Forces Covenant: The MOD guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy.
Quantity Surveyor x2 in London employer: Public Sector Resourcing CWS
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) is an exceptional employer, offering Quantity Surveyors a unique opportunity to contribute to the security and independence of the nation while working in a supportive and collaborative environment. With a commitment to employee growth, the MOD provides access to continuous professional development and a culture that values transparency, accountability, and innovation. The hybrid work model across Catterick and Larkhill allows for flexibility, ensuring a balanced work-life dynamic while engaging with diverse stakeholders in meaningful projects.
Contact Details:
Public Sector Resourcing CWS Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor x2 in London
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Public Sector Resourcing CWS.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Public Sector Resourcing CWS appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor x2 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Public Sector Resourcing CWS know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Public Sector Resourcing CWS is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Public Sector Resourcing CWS
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.