At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management for thrilling global sailing events and ensure top-notch infrastructure delivery.
- Company: Join SailGP, a fast-growing sports league committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, dynamic work environment, and the chance to travel globally.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on iconic events while shaping a new cost management function.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantity surveying, strong negotiation skills, and a passion for commercial excellence.
- Other info: Collaborate with global teams and enjoy hands-on problem-solving in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
About SailGP
The Rolex SailGP Championship is the most exciting racing on water, where anything can happen in short, adrenaline-fueled battles between national teams at iconic stadium destinations worldwide. Top athletes fly in identical high-tech F50 catamarans faster than the wind, at speeds approaching 60mph. Founded in 2018, SailGP is one of the world’s fastest-growing sports and entertainment properties, now in its fifth season. SailGP also races for a better future, championing a world powered by nature. In 2020, SailGP set a new standard as the first climate positive sports and entertainment property and began delivering actions and innovations that advance the global adoption of clean energy. Underpinning the organization’s purpose-driven agenda is a diversification of the league, with the goal of immediately progressing gender equity and inclusivity. SailGP is a global organization with defined values that shape the culture of its team – deliver quality, break boundaries, make an impact, stand together and strike a balance.
Why this role exists
SailGP is expanding its centralised cost management capability to ensure that all major infrastructure spend, from temporary event structures to venue build-outs, is controlled, transparent and commercially robust. The Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager will support the management of cost and procurement, and provide commercial oversight for our global events portfolio, including ensuring fit-for-purpose infrastructure is delivered on time, on budget, and to the highest standards.
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager to establish and lead a new cost management function. This role will be pivotal in supporting both global and regional teams, providing commercial and cost oversight for major infrastructure packages, and ensuring value for money across the business. You will work closely with the Event Infrastructure teams and Regional Procurement Leads, supporting the procurement process, negotiating contracts, and maintaining a fit-for-purpose Bill of Quantities (BoQ) for every project. This is an exciting opportunity for a hands-on, commercially-minded QS to shape a new area of operation while making a tangible impact on SailGP’s global events. This is a rare opportunity to combine your and commercial expertise with a front-row seat to the world’s fastest and most thrilling sailing events. You’ll be instrumental in shaping a new global cost management function, influencing multi-million-dollar infrastructure projects across iconic venues worldwide. If you enjoy hands-on problem solving, commercial negotiation, and working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, this role lets you make a tangible impact on every SailGP event while building a truly global perspective on temporary and permanent infrastructure delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost Management & Commercial Control
- Establish and lead a centralised infrastructure cost management function.
- Produce, maintain, and update Bills of Quantities (BoQs) for major temporary and permanent infrastructure projects and all event related recurring costs.
- Develop and maintain infrastructure cost plans, forecasts, and projected final accounts.
- Identify risks, cost drivers, and opportunities for efficiencies and value engineering.
- Ensure commercial governance and cost control across all major infrastructure projects.
- Procurement & RFP Support
- Provide cost and commercial input into infrastructure RFPs, including drafting, analysis, and supplier evaluation.
- Lead commercial negotiations with Tier 1 suppliers, including contract variations and scope changes.
- Ensure procurement and tender processes are robust, transparent, and deliver value for money.
- Work closely with Regional Procurement Leads to align processes while recognising local delivery requirements.
- Change, Risk & Opportunity Management
- Assess the cost impact of design and operational changes from feasibility through to delivery.
- Identify commercial risks and support mitigation strategies.
- Provide cost input into new event feasibility studies, venue assessments, and infrastructure enhancements.
- Stakeholder Collaboration
- Partner with Event Infrastructure teams to support planning, delivery, and post-event reviews.
- Collaborate with global and regional teams to balance central oversight with local delivery requirements.
- Support continuous improvement of procurement, cost management, and commercial governance processes.
Background / Preferred Skills
- Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor, ideally in construction, infrastructure, or large-scale event/temporary works projects.
- Strong understanding of procurement, tendering, and supplier evaluation.
- Skilled in cost planning, forecasting, and final account management.
- Experienced in contract negotiation, scope management, and risk analysis.
- Commercially astute, pragmatic, and comfortable working hands-on in a live operational environment.
- Able to communicate cost and commercial information clearly to technical and non-technical stakeholders.
About You
- Highly organised, detail-oriented, and commercially minded.
- Confident working independently and collaboratively across global teams.
- Hands-on, willing to roll sleeves up and engage directly with suppliers and internal teams.
- Comfortable managing competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent communicator with the ability to present commercial and technical data effectively.
- Adaptable, resilient, and proactive in solving problems and mitigating risks.
- A valid passport and willingness to travel globally as required.
Location: London, UK (with regular collaboration across SailGP global teams)
Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager employer: SailGP
Contact Detail:
SailGP Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Quantity Surveyor gig.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your past projects and achievements. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, let them see what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like SailGP, and express your interest in working with them. You never know when an opportunity might arise!
✨Tip Number 4
Keep it real during interviews! Be honest about your experiences and how they relate to the role. Show your passion for cost management and infrastructure projects, and don’t forget to highlight your problem-solving skills.
We think you need these skills to ace Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Quantity Surveyor / Cost Manager role. Highlight relevant experience in cost management, procurement, and any large-scale projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with SailGP and how you can contribute to our mission. Be sure to mention your hands-on problem-solving skills and commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your ability to manage costs effectively and negotiate contracts. Numbers speak volumes, so if you’ve saved money or improved processes, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Don’t miss out on being part of our thrilling journey at SailGP!
How to prepare for a job interview at SailGP
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll need to be on top of your game with numbers. Brush up on your cost management principles and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in past projects. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to produce and maintain Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and how you’ve identified cost drivers.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiating contracts is a big part of this role, so be prepared to talk about your experience in commercial negotiations. Think of a time when you successfully negotiated a contract or resolved a dispute. Highlight your approach and the outcome, as this will demonstrate your ability to lead commercial negotiations with suppliers.
✨Understand the Bigger Picture
SailGP is all about delivering high-quality events while being environmentally conscious. Familiarise yourself with their mission and values, especially around sustainability and inclusivity. Be ready to discuss how your work can align with these goals and how you can contribute to making a tangible impact on their global events.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think about potential challenges you might face in this role, such as changes in project scope or budget overruns, and prepare your strategies for addressing these issues. This will show that you’re proactive and ready to tackle real-world challenges.