At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost management projects from start to finish, ensuring quality and client satisfaction.
- Company: AtkinsRéalis, a leader in innovative project delivery within the built environment.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on sustainability and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Shape impactful developments and build trusted relationships with clients in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Chartered status in quantity surveying and strong experience in UK property sector.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Overview
Shape the places that matter. Lead projects that define the future. At AtkinsRéalis, we are redefining how projects are delivered across the built environment by bringing together technical excellence, digital innovation and a collaborative mindset. Our London & South East Cost Management team within Buildings & Places delivers some of the UK's most high-profile and impactful developments.
We are looking for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor / Senior Cost Manager to join our London team. You will independently manage commissions, build trusted client relationships and guide project teams to deliver high-quality cost and commercial outcomes. You will also help strengthen our technical capability, develop colleagues and support sustainable business growth.
We work hybrid and flexibly across our offices in London (Nova North), Tunbridge Wells, Epsom, and Oxford, prioritising where our clients and teams need us to be.
The Opportunity
The role is suited to a chartered cost manager who can independently manage commissions from feasibility through completion, act as the primary day-to‑day client adviser and manage the technical and commercial performance of project teams. You will work with Associate Directors and Directors on key accounts while taking increasing responsibility for client development, business development and team development.
Your role
- Manage and deliver cost management commissions from inception to completion, setting the delivery strategy and taking responsibility for scope, quality, programme, client satisfaction and commercial performance; act as the primary day-to‑day client interface, providing clear, evidence‑based advice and building trusted relationships with senior stakeholders.
- Prepare, review and assure feasibility studies, estimates, cost plans, cash flows, benchmarking, option appraisals and commercial reports aligned with client objectives; facilitate value management and option appraisal activities, protecting project outcomes while identifying efficiencies and whole‑life value.
- Develop procurement and contracting strategies, prepare tender and contract documentation, manage tender processes and provide clear recommendations; administer or support contracts under JCT, NEC and other relevant forms, ensuring notices, assessments, instructions and records are timely and robust.
- Oversee post‑contract cost management, including valuations, forecasting, change control, risk management, cost reporting and final account negotiations; identify cost, programme, procurement and delivery risks early, quantify their potential impact and support appropriate mitigation with the project team.
- Establish proportionate project governance, reporting and controls, maintaining clear audit trails and supporting timely, informed decisions; collaborate with and support multidisciplinary teams, ensuring design development, programme, risk and commercial information remain aligned.
- Plan and manage project resources, delegate effectively, review outputs and maintain consistently high technical and service standards; coach, mentor and technically review the work of quantity surveyors, graduates, apprentices and other team members.
- Manage commission finances, including fee budgets, forecasts, change control, invoicing, cash collection and performance against agreed margin; support client account plans, bids, proposals, interviews and presentations, contributing relevant insight, evidence and delivery methodology; identify opportunities to broaden client support and services through strong delivery and a clear understanding of client priorities.
- Champion inclusive behaviours, health and safety, sustainability, digital delivery, data quality and continuous improvement; represent AtkinsRéalis and the profession with integrity, credibility and sound professional expertise and decision‑making.
About you
- Strong experience delivering quantity surveying / cost management services within the UK property or built environment sector, preferably within a consultancy; a proven track record of independently managing commissions and maintaining effective client relationships from feasibility through post‑contract delivery and close‑out.
- Detailed knowledge of pre‑contract and post‑contract cost management, including estimating, cost planning, procurement, tendering, contract administration, change control and final accounts; strong working knowledge of UK construction contracts, particularly JCT and NEC forms, and the ability to apply contractual and commercial principles in practice.
- The confidence to facilitate meetings, present recommendations, provide constructive feedback and engage effectively with clients, consultants, contractors and senior decision‑makers.
- Strong analytical, commercial and solution‑focused capability, with the ability to interpret complex cost and project information and communicate it clearly.
- Experience in planning and coordinating the work of others.
Senior Quantity Surveyor employer: slihrms
AtkinsRéalis is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where innovation and collaboration thrive. As a Technical Director in Civil Structures, you'll have the opportunity to lead transformative projects across critical UK infrastructure while benefiting from a diverse and inclusive culture that values every voice. With hybrid working options and a commitment to employee growth, including talent development and succession planning, you can shape your career while contributing to landmark engineering solutions in the Energy, Defence, and Nuclear sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor
✨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 slihrms, 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 at slihrms.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor
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 slihrms
✨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!
