Quantity Surveyor – Groundworks Location: Northamptonshire (office-based, with regular site visits) Type: Permanent, full-time Salary: £75,000 + bonus, company car or car allowance, and package The company Our client is an established, well-respected groundworks subcontractor working for main contractors on residential and commercial schemes. They run their own fleet of heavy plant and have a strong, steady pipeline of work. The role Reporting directly to the Director, you’ll take full commercial responsibility for groundworks packages, from tender through to final payment. You’ll price and secure profitable work, manage the supply chain and make sure every variation and pound is accounted for, protecting the company’s cash flow against the main contractor. The role has a strong focus on groundworks risk: ground conditions, plant output, muck-away, materials and tight weekly and monthly variation tracking. What you’ll be doing Tendering and pricing * Reviewing tender documents, drawings and specifications * Measuring quantities to produce bills of quantities and cost plans * Pricing from first principles: earthworks, drainage, foundations, deep excavations, piling and concrete * Obtaining and comparing subcontractor and supplier quotes * Identifying commercial and technical risks, and maintaining risk registers * Suggesting alternative methods or materials to cut costs without compromising quality Pre-contract and procurement * Producing accurate material take-offs from structural drawings: concrete, rebar, drainage runs and earthworks volumes * Reviewing ground investigation reports to flag risks such as rock, high water tables or contamination * Negotiating rates and securing supply for ready-mix concrete, aggregates, rebar and drainage systems * Pricing the company’s own heavy plant (and hired-in plant) into tenders Site commercial management * Measuring and pricing ground condition variations before they’re covered up * Auditing and reconciling muck-away waste transfer notes * Submitting fully documented interim valuations to main contractors, and following them through to payment What we’re looking for * BSc in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management, or HNC/HND backed by strong groundworks experience * QS experience working directly for a groundworks or civil engineering subcontractor (ideally 3+ years) * A proven track record on residential roads and sewers, commercial foundations or deep drainage * Deep understanding of groundworks and civils methods, sequencing and structural requirements * Strong earthworks estimating skills * Able to read complex structural, drainage and levels drawings and check them against on-site topography * Working knowledge of JCT (or equivalent) subcontracts * Highly competent in Excel, with strong numerical skills and attention to detail * Confident negotiator and communicator * Full UK driving licence What’s on offer * £75,000 basic salary * Agreed bonus * Company car plus mileage, or allowance for your own vehicle * Stakeholder pension * 20 days’ holiday plus bank holidays * Direct reporting line to the Director, with real influence on the business
Quantity Surveyor – Groundworks in Northampton employer: S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd
Join a highly respected specialist contractor known for its commitment to safety and excellence in the demolition sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to work on technically challenging projects across the UK while being part of a supportive operational team that values communication and collaboration. The company offers competitive salaries and packages, along with a clear path for career advancement, making it an ideal employer for those passionate about delivering complex projects safely and effectively.
Contact Details:
S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor – Groundworks in Northampton
✨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 S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd, 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 Quantity Surveyor – Groundworks at S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd.
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 S Guest Consultancy Services Ltd
✨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!
