Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading

Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading

Reading Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
R W Armstrong

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead high-end residential projects, ensuring financial control and managing risks effectively.
  • Company: Renowned leader in luxury construction and heritage conservation.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, holiday allowance, and exclusive retail discounts.
  • Why this job: Join a team dedicated to excellence in prestigious projects across the UK.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or HNC with solid commercial experience required.
  • Other info: Opportunities for career growth and professional development in a supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Location: Reading

Salary: Competitive

Hours: 41 a week

Minimum Requirements:

  • Degree qualified with experience in high-end residential projects
  • Strong contract and procurement knowledge
  • Confident ownership of CVRs and final accounts

As a leader in high-end construction, heritage conservation and specialist crafts in London and the South of England, we take pride in working on Britain's finest private residences, luxury hotels and most cherished historic architecture. We believe our people are our greatest asset, as it’s their dedication to excellence that has been the foundation for our outstanding reputation.

We’re appointing a Senior Quantity Surveyor to bring strong commercial leadership to our high-end residential projects, typically £8m and above, guiding them through the full commercial journey, from procurement right through to final account. Alongside guiding projects through the commercial phases, you’ll bring strong financial control, disciplined reporting and firm contractual oversight to protect margin and manage risk. Working closely with the site and leadership teams, you’ll ensure projects are commercially robust, variations are secured, and performance is delivered in line with programme and quality expectations.

Some of the responsibilities we’ll trust you with:

  • You’ll take full commercial ownership of each project from handover to final account, using clear financial control and sound judgement to protect margin and manage risk.
  • You’ll lead procurement with confidence, shaping buying strategies, running tenders, negotiating packages and securing value-driven subcontract orders that support exceptional delivery.
  • You’ll prepare and present CVRs, cash flow forecasts and financial reports that give the Regional Team Commercial Manager clear, meaningful insight at every stage.
  • You’ll manage valuations upstream and downstream, agreeing monthly applications with PQS and subcontractors, and ensuring smooth certification and timely payments.
  • You’ll take ownership of variations, keeping accurate VO schedules, securing prompt agreement and highlighting programme or financial risks before they become issues.
  • You’ll oversee material purchasing and negotiate major supply packages, ensuring all warranties, compliance checks and subcontract financial assessments meet our high standards.

Where you’ll be based:

You’ll join our Central Region team, delivering a wide-ranging portfolio of high-value country projects, from £500k to £100m. Our work spans Grade I and II listed buildings, extensive refurbishments, contemporary new builds, sporting estates, boutique hotels, and grand manor houses - each requiring exceptional attention to detail and craftsmanship. You’ll be based on-site at one of our prestigious projects, joining a warm and professional team known for their expertise, collaboration, and commitment to excellence.

Some of the rewards of working with us:

  • Unlock new skills and accelerate your career with our full support and development programmes designed to help you expand your expertise.
  • Join an inclusive community where everyone is valued, respected, and empowered to share their ideas and bring them to life.
  • Enjoy a rewards package that includes a competitive salary, company pension, sick pay, life cover, maternity/paternity pay and recognition through long service awards.
  • A holiday allowance that increases with your length of service, plus bank holidays.
  • Get the best deals at your favourite places to shop with our exclusive discounts at top retailers and supermarkets.
  • Round-the-clock support with our Employee Assistance Programme offering expert legal advice, counselling and more to help you through any situation.
  • Enjoy a restful holiday break - we close during the Christmas period, giving you the chance to relax over the festive season.
  • We prioritise your wellbeing with our healthcare programmes, annual flu vaccines, and for those who will benefit, a personalised menopause plan.

The areas of knowledge and expertise that matter most for this role:

  • You’ll bring a relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, or an HNC in Construction supported by solid commercial experience.
  • You’ll demonstrate strong knowledge of private residential contracting, ideally within prime and super prime sectors, paired with a clear understanding of the standards these projects demand.
  • You’ll have a sound grasp of contractual law, property taxation and commercial risk management, giving you the judgement to navigate challenges with confidence.
  • You’ll bring robust technical knowledge of both traditional and modern construction methods across refurbishment and new build projects.
  • You’ll be confident preparing detailed financial reports, handling complex calculations and producing clear, concise written communication.
  • You’ll have strong numeracy skills and be comfortable using MS Office, particularly Excel, along with the ability to adapt quickly to construction management systems.

Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading employer: R W Armstrong

As a leading employer in high-end construction and heritage conservation, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that values each team member's contributions. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through comprehensive development programmes, competitive rewards, and a supportive environment that prioritises wellbeing, making us an exceptional choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the prestigious setting of Reading.
R W Armstrong

Contact Detail:

R W Armstrong Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your best projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let your work speak for itself.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Before interviews, rehearse common questions and scenarios related to quantity surveying. This will help you feel more confident and articulate when discussing your experience.

✨Tip Number 4

Apply through our website! We love seeing applications directly from candidates who are genuinely interested in joining our team. It shows initiative and enthusiasm, which we value highly.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading

Degree in Quantity Surveying or HNC in Construction
High-end residential project experience
Contract and procurement knowledge
Commercial leadership
Financial control
Disciplined reporting
Contractual oversight
Valuation management
Negotiation skills
Preparation of CVRs and financial reports
Understanding of contractual law
Property taxation knowledge
Commercial risk management
Technical knowledge of construction methods
Proficiency in MS Office, particularly Excel

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your experience in high-end residential projects and your strong contract knowledge to catch our eye!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're passionate about quantity surveying and how your background aligns with our commitment to excellence in high-end construction.

Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; share your achievements! Whether it's successful project completions or innovative procurement strategies, we want to see how you've made an impact in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!

How to prepare for a job interview at R W Armstrong

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on your CVRs, cash flow forecasts, and final accounts. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past projects where you successfully managed budgets and protected margins.

✨Showcase Your Procurement Skills

Procurement is key in this role, so prepare to talk about your experience in shaping buying strategies and negotiating contracts. Think of a few successful tenders you've run and be ready to explain how you secured value-driven subcontract orders.

✨Understand the Project Lifecycle

Familiarise yourself with the full commercial journey of high-end residential projects. Be prepared to discuss how you've taken ownership from handover to final account, ensuring that every stage is commercially robust and aligned with quality expectations.

✨Communicate Clearly

Strong communication skills are essential. Practice explaining complex financial reports and contractual details in a clear and concise manner. You might be asked to present a mock report during the interview, so make sure you can articulate your insights effectively.

Senior Quantity Surveyor in Reading
R W Armstrong
Location: Reading

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