At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial and contractual aspects of social housing projects, ensuring budget control and compliance.
- Company: Join a leading contractor with 30 years of experience in diverse refurbishment projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in social housing while working in a collaborative and supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in social housing contracts and strong knowledge of NHF SOR is essential.
- Other info: Ideal for those passionate about improving community living standards.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 60000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000 - £75,000 + Benefits (DOE)
Location: Hillingdon, NW London
The Company
We are currently working with a design and build main contractor that specialises in refurbishment schemes in a variety of sectors. The projects span from social housing maintenance, office refurbishment, building development, hospital refurbishment and schools refurbishments to high-end residential developments. With over 30 years in the industry, they have gained a successful track record of completing projects to the highest standard and satisfaction of clients.
Job Purpose:
To manage the financial and contractual aspects of social housing maintenance projects for a Local Authority client, ensuring cost-effective delivery, budget control, and compliance with NHF Schedule of Rates (SOR).
Key Responsibilities:
- Cost Management & Estimation
- Prepare and review cost estimates for responsive, cyclical, planned, and void property maintenance works using NHF SOR.
- Assess contractor quotations and ensure pricing is aligned with NHF SOR and framework agreements.
- Conduct financial forecasting and cost planning to ensure works remain within budget.
- Administer contracts and ensure compliance with JCT Measured Term Contracts (MTC), NEC, and other local authority procurement frameworks.
- Monitor contractor performance, ensuring works are completed to standard and within agreed cost parameters.
- Certify interim and final payments, ensuring all valuations are based on measured works per NHF SOR.
- Manage and assess variations, ensuring proper documentation and cost validation before approval.
- Carry out on-site inspections and audits to validate contractor claims and completed works against NHF SOR.
- Ensure all cost assessments and valuations align with contractual obligations and industry best practices.
- Provide accurate reports on expenditure, cash flow forecasts, and value-for-money analysis.
- Support compliance with Local Authority financial governance and social value commitments.
- Work closely with client representatives, housing officers, contractors, and internal teams to ensure smooth project execution.
- Advise on procurement strategies, framework agreements, and best-value options for social housing maintenance.
- Prepare regular financial and performance reports for senior management and client stakeholders.
- Address disputes, resolve contractor queries, and negotiate settlements where necessary.
Key Skills & Requirements:
- Essential: Experience working on social housing maintenance contracts within a Local Authority or Housing Association setting.
- Strong working knowledge of NHF SOR (latest version) and its practical application.
- Proficiency in cost management software (e.g., Excel, COINS, Orchard, or similar QS systems).
- Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and MTC contracts within public sector housing maintenance.
- Excellent analytical, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to prepare financial reports and advise on cost-saving measures.
- Strong communication skills to liaise with contractors, local authority representatives, and tenants when required.
Quantity Surveyor employer: Recco
Contact Detail:
Recco Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the social housing sector. Attend industry events, webinars, or local meetups to connect with people who work in similar roles. This can help you gain insights into the company culture and potentially get a referral.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the NHF Schedule of Rates and current trends in social housing maintenance. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also demonstrate your commitment and expertise during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for potential interview questions by practising your responses to common scenarios faced in quantity surveying, especially those related to contract administration and financial control. Use real-life examples from your experience to illustrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company’s recent projects and achievements in social housing. Being knowledgeable about their work will allow you to tailor your discussions and show genuine interest in contributing to their future success.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in social housing maintenance contracts. Emphasise your familiarity with NHF SOR and any specific projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the role and the company. Mention your experience with cost management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement, and explain how these skills will benefit their projects.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, clearly outline your proficiency in cost management software and your knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts. Use specific examples to demonstrate your analytical and negotiation skills.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any errors or inconsistencies. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail, which is crucial for a Quantity Surveyor.
How to prepare for a job interview at Recco
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Quantity Surveyor, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost management. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and conducted financial forecasting in previous roles, especially within social housing projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NHF SOR
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the NHF Schedule of Rates and its application. You might be asked to explain how you've used it in past projects, so brush up on your knowledge and be ready to provide practical examples.
✨Showcase Your Contract Knowledge
Since the role involves administering contracts like JCT and NEC, be prepared to discuss your experience with these frameworks. Highlight any challenges you've faced and how you resolved them to ensure compliance and successful project delivery.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Effective communication is key in this role. Be ready to talk about how you've engaged with various stakeholders, including clients, contractors, and local authority representatives. Share examples of how you've navigated disputes or negotiated settlements to keep projects on track.