At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team delivering large-scale infrastructure projects that impact communities and the environment.
- Company: Southern Water, a respected leader in the utility sector with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous pension, 25 days leave, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunities for study support and volunteering, plus discounts with popular retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real difference while developing your career in a fast-paced, supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Relevant construction or quantity surveying qualification with experience in commercial management.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: Kent
Salary: Salary and package are to be discussed at the screening stage.
We’re expanding again – and for all the right reasons. Following a series of key hires, we're now looking for a number of exceptional Senior Quantity Surveyors to join our high-performing, commercially savvy team. Internally known as Commercial Managers, these newly created positions have been introduced due to the sheer scale and ambition of our upcoming capital programme. Our commercial team is widely respected across the business for their insight, drive, and integrity. You'll be joining a first-class group of professionals who thrive in a collaborative, fast-paced environment—and who genuinely enjoy what they do.
Job Overview
This is a fantastic opportunity to play a crucial role in Southern Water’s most ambitious AMP to date, delivering complex, large-scale infrastructure projects that will make a tangible difference to communities, the environment, and the regional economy.
Responsibilities will include:
- Act as a key commercial partner, delivering expert advice on cost management, procurement, and contractual strategy across major capital projects.
- Support the entire commercial lifecycle—from feasibility and procurement through to change control and dispute resolution.
- Ensure robust governance, compliance, and control across all commercial activity, aligning with best practice and internal frameworks.
- Work hand-in-hand with Project Managers and contractors to shape realistic cost targets and contractual terms that deliver real value.
- Contribute to the ongoing evolution of how we manage commercial risk, maximise value, and deliver for our customers and stakeholders.
About You
We’re looking for someone with a relevant construction or quantity surveying qualification and demonstrable experience in commercial management on large-scale infrastructure, utility, or construction projects. You’ll bring a solid understanding of NEC contracts and commercial strategy, both pre- and post-contract, and have the confidence to partner with and influence stakeholders at all levels. A collaborative mindset, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for driving value, efficiency, and best practice will be key to your success in this role.
Package
This role will be full time Monday to Friday 37 hours a week. Southern Water operate a hybrid approach to working between our sites and home. We are offering a salary of up to TBC per annum depending on skills and experience as well as other benefits including:
- Company and performance-related bonus
- Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
- 25 days annual leave
- Life assurance equal to 4x salary
- Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
- Health Cash Plan
- Full funded eye tests
- Two paid volunteering days a year
- Occupational health service
- Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
- Digital GP service
- Study support may be available for job-related qualifications
- Competitive maternity leave and flexible return to work options
- Cycle to work scheme
Does this opportunity excite you but you’re not 100% sure if you meet all the requirements for the role? Or are you concerned that ‘normal’ office hours aren’t possible given your personal circumstances? Whilst we can’t accommodate every flexible working request, we’ll try to find a practical solution. So why not engage with us and find out more about this role?
Our customers are at the heart of everything we do, because delivering water for life is our core purpose. To achieve this, we need 24/7 support in place to resolve incidents quickly and efficiently. All our employees understand the importance of out-of-hours incident support – because when problems appear, fixing them is our top priority. That’s why our people join together and support when and however needed to make sure our customers get the service they deserve. Joining the Southern Water family means you’ll become part of our incident support team. During your interview, your manager will speak to you about any incident support rotas that apply to your position.
Privacy Statement: Please note: If you are an existing Southern Water employee, you will need to confirm within your application that your Manager is aware of your application. All applicants must be eligible to live and work in the UK. You will need to provide evidence of eligibility (e.g. a passport or long birth certificate and proof of NI) and current proof of address (dated within the last 3 months), will be required as part of the recruitment process. If you do not meet these criteria, your application will not be considered.
Additional information: In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years. Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre-employment checks, including security vetting. Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
Interested in the role? We reserve the right to close this advertisement early if we receive a high volume of suitable applications, so if you are interested in the position please do send your application over today to ensure consideration. We truly appreciate every application. Please note, that due to the volume of interest, we may not be able to provide personalised feedback to all applicants.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Chatham employer: Southern Water group
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers Senior Quantity Surveyors to make a significant impact on large-scale infrastructure projects. With a strong focus on employee growth, generous benefits including a competitive pension scheme, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional development, Southern Water is committed to fostering a supportive environment where employees can thrive both personally and professionally in the heart of Kent.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Chatham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the hunt for a Senior Quantity Surveyor role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your commercial acumen and collaborative mindset.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in showing your enthusiasm for the role. It’s also a chance to reiterate why you’d be a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our fantastic team at Southern Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Chatham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial management and your understanding of NEC contracts. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our ambitious projects. Keep it concise but impactful—show us your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your ability to deliver value and manage commercial risks effectively. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of being noticed. It’s straightforward, and you’ll be able to provide all the necessary information we need to consider your application. Don’t miss out!
How to prepare for a job interview at Southern Water group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost management. Brush up on key figures related to previous projects you've worked on, including budgets, savings achieved, and any financial strategies you implemented. This will show your potential employer that you can deliver real value.
✨Understand NEC Contracts Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with NEC contracts and be ready to discuss how you've applied them in past roles. Prepare examples of how you've navigated contractual challenges or disputes, as this will highlight your problem-solving skills and commercial acumen.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
Since the role involves working closely with Project Managers and contractors, be prepared to share examples of successful collaborations. Talk about how you’ve influenced stakeholders and contributed to team success, as this will resonate well with the company's emphasis on teamwork.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your ability to manage risks and deliver value. Think of specific situations where you had to make tough decisions or adapt strategies. Practising these responses will help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.