At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management of a cutting-edge data centre project and oversee cost control.
- Company: Join Colliers Properties LLC, a leader in innovative construction projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with mentorship opportunities and a focus on innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on a major data centre campus and develop your skills.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in quantity surveying with experience in large-scale projects.
A hyperscale data centre campus comprising two large data centre buildings on an 8.7-hectare site on the edge of Dunstable. The scheme includes a dedicated electrical substation compound, standby generator installation, cooling and mechanical plant, a security building and perimeter security systems, internal roads and logistics access, c.100 parking spaces, and landscaping/drainage/biodiversity works. The end user is believed to be AWS (unconfirmed); the applicant/developer is Colliers Properties LLC, with Arup as engineering consultant.
Purpose of the Role
The Senior Quantity Surveyor will lead the commercial management of the data centre campus, taking ownership of cost control, procurement and contractual governance across both buildings and all associated infrastructure packages (substation, standby power, mechanical/cooling plant, security systems, and enabling works). The role carries responsibility for the commercial performance of the project, management of junior commercial staff, and acting as the principal commercial point of contact with the client, engineering consultant (Arup) and supply chain.
Key Responsibilities
- Take full commercial ownership of the project cost plan, budget and cash flow forecasting across both data centre buildings and shared infrastructure.
- Lead procurement strategy and tendering of major packages, including specialist mission-critical packages such as substation, standby generation, and mechanical/electrical plant.
- Negotiate, place and administer subcontracts, ensuring robust terms and effective risk allocation.
- Oversee monthly cost reporting, CVR (cost-value reconciliation), and client valuations, presenting to senior stakeholders.
- Manage the change control process, including early warning notices, compensation events and variations under the relevant form of contract (e.g. NEC3/4 or JCT).
- Lead on final account negotiation and close-out for subcontract packages and the main contract.
- Identify, quantify and manage commercial risk and opportunity across the project, escalating as required.
- Mentor and manage the Contract Surveyor and Assistant Contracts Surveyor(s), reviewing their output and supporting their development.
- Liaise directly with the client's representatives, Arup, and Colliers Properties LLC on commercial matters.
- Ensure compliance with company commercial governance, audit and reporting requirements.
- Support programme and delivery teams in understanding cost implications of design and construction decisions.
Experience & Technical Knowledge
- Significant post-qualification quantity surveying / commercial management experience (typically 8+ years), ideally including large industrial, logistics, or mission-critical/data centre projects.
- Proven experience procuring and administering specialist packages (electrical infrastructure, standby generation, mechanical plant, security systems).
- Strong working knowledge of NEC3/4 and/or JCT forms of contract.
- Track record of managing project budgets in excess of comparable hyperscale-scale construction value.
- Experience managing and developing junior commercial staff.
- Confident presenting cost reports and commercial positions to senior client and consultant stakeholders.
Qualifications
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related built-environment discipline.
- MRICS (or equivalent professional accreditation) preferred; actively working towards Chartered status considered.
Key Attributes
- Commercially astute with strong negotiation skills.
- Comfortable operating at pace on a fast-moving, high-value programme.
- Clear communicator, able to translate commercial detail for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Proactive risk management mindset.
- Strong leadership and mentoring ability.
To apply, please submit your CV or feel free to reach out for a confidential conversation.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Luton employer: Smart 4 EPC
As a leading Tier 1 contractor based in Central London, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that champions a collaborative and high-performance work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our investment in training and development opportunities, ensuring that our team members thrive in their careers while contributing to transformative projects like HS2. With a hybrid work model and competitive salary, we offer a unique environment where your contributions directly impact the future of national transport infrastructure.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Luton
✨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 Smart 4 EPC, 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 Smart 4 EPC.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Luton
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 Smart 4 EPC
✨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!
