At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in cost control, tender analysis, and contract management for major rail projects.
- Company: Join the SCS Railways joint venture working on the HS2 London Tunnels.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, competitive salary, and a focus on diversity and inclusion.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and RICS/CICES membership.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a major infrastructure project while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Pursuing a degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; some commercial experience preferred.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
Roles and Responsibilities
- Assist with preparing enquiries, analysing tenders and negotiating sub‑contractor packages in accordance with company procedures.
- Assist in the preparation and agreement of payment applications/interim valuations and certificates.
- Capture and monitor change, risk and variations on the project; maintain cost‑value reconciliation, budget/forecast updates and assist with earned value management.
- Maintain project cost reports, help prepare monthly cost/value/forecast reports and other commercial deliverables.
- Assist with contract management tasks including issuing notices, contractual correspondence, managing sub‑contractor accounts and final account close‑out.
- Undertake record‑keeping: collate site records, prepare meeting packs, issue invites, take minutes and ensure proper document control.
- Liaise with the site team, sub‑contractors, client and other project stakeholders ensuring commercial matters are flagged and addressed.
- Comply with company Quality, Health & Safety, Environmental and Information Security management systems (ISO 9001, ISO 14001, ISO/IEC 27001 etc.).
- Support the professional development pathway (e.g., towards RICS/CICES membership) and continually develop commercial/contract skills.
Qualifications
- Ideally holds (or is working towards) a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline (RICS/CICES‑accredited), or is enrolled on a part‑time postgraduate programme.
- Some experience in a commercial administration or support role on major construction/rail projects is desirable.
- Ideally some familiarity with construction contracts (especially those used in rail infrastructure) and change/variation management.
Skills & Attributes
- Strong organisational, communication and interpersonal skills.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office (Excel in particular) and comfortable with managing data, spreadsheets, cost tracking.
- Commercially aware, able to support cost control, forecasting and value management.
- Able to work in a pressured environment, manage own workload and support multiple stakeholders.
- A methodical and logical approach to tasks, with attention to detail and accuracy.
- Commitment to personal development and professional qualification progression.
- Demonstrated in your application and pre‑interview stage that you meet the minimum job criteria and person specification for the role.
Benefits
- Flexible working arrangements to support work‑life balance.
- A supportive environment with emphasis on diversity, inclusion, and continuous improvement.
- Competitive salary with excellent package.
About the Company and Project
HS2 is the UK’s new high‑speed rail network, designed to free up space on existing railways and connect eight of the UK’s ten biggest cities with fast, reliable, and frequent high‑speed services. The SCS Railways joint venture (Skanska, Costain, and STRABAG) is delivering the HS2 London Tunnels Contract. Scope of works includes twin‑bored tunnels (TBM), SCL tunnels, shaft sinking, bridge demolition and reconstruction, services diversions, earthworks, and the construction of site compounds. The role offers exposure to a major rail infrastructure project and opportunities for professional development, including support towards RICS/CICES membership.
Rail QS Assistant: Commercial & Cost Control employer: SCS Railways
Join a dynamic team at SCS Railways, where we prioritise your professional growth and work-life balance while you contribute to the transformative HS2 project. Our inclusive culture fosters diversity and continuous improvement, offering flexible working arrangements and a competitive salary package that reflects our commitment to employee well-being. With strong support for your journey towards RICS/CICES membership, this role provides a unique opportunity to develop your skills in a major rail infrastructure environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Rail QS Assistant: Commercial & Cost Control
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the rail and construction industry, especially those who work on projects like HS2. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews – you never know where a chat might lead!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of commercial and cost control processes. Familiarise yourself with common questions related to quantity surveying and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to managing costs and risks on major projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along examples of your work or projects you've been involved in that highlight your organisational and analytical abilities. This will help you stand out and demonstrate your readiness for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to exciting projects like HS2.
We think you need these skills to ace Rail QS Assistant: Commercial & Cost Control
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Rail QS Assistant role. Highlight any relevant experience in commercial administration or support roles, especially in construction or rail projects. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, emphasise your organisational and communication skills. Mention your proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, as it's crucial for managing data and cost tracking. Let us know how you can contribute to our team!
Be Detail-Oriented:Attention to detail is key in this role. When writing your application, ensure there are no typos or errors. A methodical approach will show us that you take pride in your work and understand the importance of accuracy in cost control.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. This way, you can easily keep track of your application status and we can get back to you quicker. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SCS Railways
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your cost control and forecasting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets or tracked costs in previous roles. Familiarity with Excel is a must, so practice using spreadsheets to present data clearly.
✨Understand the Project
Research HS2 and the specific role of the SCS Railways joint venture. Knowing the ins and outs of the project will show your genuine interest and help you answer questions more effectively. Be prepared to discuss how your skills can contribute to the success of such a major infrastructure project.
✨Communication is Key
Since you'll be liaising with various stakeholders, demonstrate your strong communication skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated in past roles, especially in high-pressure situations. This will highlight your ability to manage relationships and keep everyone informed.
✨Show Your Commitment to Development
Express your enthusiasm for personal development and professional qualifications like RICS/CICES membership. Discuss any steps you've taken towards this goal, whether it's coursework, workshops, or relevant experience. This shows you're serious about your career and eager to grow within the company.
