At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage costs and commercial aspects of exciting groundworks projects across Yorkshire.
- Company: A close-knit groundworks contractor with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, genuine long-term opportunities, and a chance to grow with the business.
- Other info: Enjoy a dynamic work environment with quick decision-making and trusted autonomy.
- Why this job: Be hands-on in live projects and make a real impact in a smaller company.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of groundworks/civils experience and strong relationship-building skills.
We’re looking for a Senior QS to join our growing commercial team in Leeds. This role will suit someone who enjoys being close to projects, close to site delivery teams, and close to the decision making. We’re a tight-knit groundworks contractor delivering multiple projects across Yorkshire and surrounding regions, typically managing 6 live jobs at any one time with package values ranging from £500k to £3m. Our work is varied and spans commercial, education, healthcare, MoJ and MoD sectors.
The Role
This is a hands‑on Senior QS position working closely with operational teams, clients and site management from pre‑construction through to final account. You’ll have real involvement in projects and real influence within the business. The role will involve:
- Cost reporting and commercial management
- Variations and valuations
- Subcontractor procurement and management
- Client meetings and commercial discussions
- Supporting operational teams onsite
- Working closely with directors and project delivery teams
This is not a desk‑only role. Regular site visits are expected, with the flexibility to work between site and our Leeds office depending on project requirements.
What we’re looking for
We’re ideally looking for someone who:
- Has strong groundworks/civils experience 10 + years
- Enjoys being involved in live projects
- Is commercially sharp but practical in approach
- Builds good relationships with site teams and clients
- Wants to be part of a smaller business where their input genuinely matters
- May feel they’ve hit a ceiling in a larger contractor environment
You’ll be joining a business where people know each other, decisions are made quickly, and people are trusted to get on with the job.
What We Offer
Basic salary of £75,000-£85,000 (D.O.E)
Genuine long‑term opportunity
Interesting and varied projects
Supportive, down‑to‑earth team environment
Opportunity to grow with the business
If you’re looking to get back to properly managing projects again, we’d like to hear from you.
Senior Quantity Surveyor | Leeds | Groundworks & Civil Engineering employer: Shanco Contract Ltd
Join our dynamic team in Leeds as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, where you'll be part of a close-knit groundworks contractor that values your input and fosters a supportive work culture. With a focus on interesting and varied projects across multiple sectors, we offer genuine long-term opportunities for growth and development, alongside a competitive salary and the flexibility to balance site and office work. Experience the difference of working in a smaller business where decisions are made quickly, and your contributions truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor | Leeds | Groundworks & Civil Engineering
✨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 Shanco Contract 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 Senior Quantity Surveyor | Leeds | Groundworks & Civil Engineering at Shanco Contract Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor | Leeds | Groundworks & Civil Engineering
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 Shanco Contract 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!
