At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial control of heating and water contracts, ensuring accuracy and compliance.
- Company: Join Southwark Council, a progressive and ambitious local authority.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commitment to inclusion, and opportunities for professional development.
- Other info: Be part of a team dedicated to social value and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a diverse community while tackling inequalities.
- Qualifications: Experience in mechanical services and managing high-value contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 54360 - 61686 £ per year.
Southwark is a large, ambitious and progressive council with a 'can do' attitude and enviable reputation. As a council, we are successful, passionate and forward-thinking. Southwark has a varied mix of cultural communities, where over 120 languages are spoken in the borough. We have all the challenges you’d find in any inner city area.
About the Contracts
- Heating & Water contract A (£7.9m)
- Heating & Water Contract B (£7.4m)
- District Heating improvement programmes (circa £8m)
- Building Energy Management Systems (circa £100k)
Works include:
- Gas landlord safety inspections
- Heating repairs, installations and maintenance (domestic & district systems)
- Water quality testing, treatment and installations
- Mechanical plant servicing (laundry, sewage, risers, energy systems)
- Building energy management systems 24/7 critical response services
What You’ll Be Doing
This is a senior specialist QS role requiring deep mechanical services expertise.
- Lead commercial control of all heating & water contracts, ensuring accuracy, value for money and compliance
- Review contract documentation and support tendering of District Heating schemes
- Prepare budget forecasts and monthly financial reporting
- Undertake monthly valuations including verification of:
- Prime Cost (PC) sums
- Dayworks, manual orders and SOR compliance
- Monitor Planned Preventative Maintenance (PPM) costs
- Conduct post-inspection reviews and adjust contractor valuations accordingly
- Reconcile historic accounts and ensure audit-ready documentation
- Issue certificates, pay less notices and valuation reports on a strict monthly timetable
- Negotiate firmly and confidently with contractors, ensuring that valuations, variations and commercial positions are rigorously tested and stand up to scrutiny
- Provide forensic QS support where required
- Contribute to staff development as part of the Council's social value commitments
What We’re Looking For
A seasoned QS who can operate confidently in highly technical M&E environments, with:
- Strong understanding of mechanical services, district heating or complex M&E systems
- Demonstrable experience managing high-value, multi-contract portfolios
- Exceptional attention to detail and commercial rigour
- Ability to manage structured monthly valuation cycles with absolute accuracy
- Strong communication skills, working closely with engineers, technical teams and contractors
Additional Information
At Southwark we are committed to making our borough just and fair and are taking positive action to tackle inequalities. Our residents and communities are our greatest asset and the passion we have for Southwark is shared by millions of Londoners who enjoy our outstanding cultural offer, use our hospitals and attend our universities. Our refreshed borough plan and focus on Southwark Stands Together, which is our work with Southwark's communities and the council's staff to tackle racism, injustice and inequality, underpins all that we do.
Recruitment Timetable
- Closing Date: 29th March 2026 at 23:59
- Shortlisting Date: 3rd April 2026
- Interview Date: 20th April 2026
Guaranteed Interview Scheme
As part of our commitment to inclusion, we offer guaranteed interviews for specific groups of people. To qualify, you’ll need to meet the minimum requirements for the role, and identify with one of the below criteria:
- Members of the Armed Forces and veterans
- Are currently in care or have previously been in care.
- If you consider yourself to be disabled or if you have a long-term health condition.
Benefits
Working for Southwark Council - Southwark
Salary range £54,360 - £61,686 per year
Senior Quantity Surveyor - Mechanical & Engineering employer: Southwark Council
As a leading organisation in public health, we offer a dynamic and inclusive work environment where your contributions directly impact the health and wellbeing of the Southwark community. With a commitment to professional development, our employees benefit from hybrid working arrangements, fostering a healthy work-life balance while engaging in meaningful projects that address health inequalities. Join us to be part of a diverse team dedicated to making a difference in public health through collaboration and innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor - Mechanical & Engineering
✨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 job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Southwark Council and their projects. Familiarise yourself with their heating and water contracts, and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior QS, you’ll need to negotiate confidently with contractors. Role-play potential scenarios with a friend or mentor to sharpen your approach and ensure you can handle tough discussions with ease.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor - Mechanical & Engineering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your experience in mechanical services and managing high-value contracts, as this will show us you’re the right fit for the job.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills align with what we’re looking for. Use specific examples from your past work that showcase your attention to detail and commercial acumen.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and get straight to the point about your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people and helps us keep track of all applicants efficiently.
How to prepare for a job interview at Southwark Council
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you thoroughly understand the heating and water contracts you'll be managing. Familiarise yourself with the specifics of each contract, including the financials and compliance requirements. This will show your potential employer that you're not just knowledgeable but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Demonstrate Your Technical Expertise
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, your technical knowledge is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your experience with mechanical services and district heating systems in detail. Use specific examples from your past roles to illustrate your expertise and how it can benefit Southwark.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role, especially when working with engineers and contractors. During the interview, highlight instances where you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with different teams. This will demonstrate your ability to manage relationships effectively.
✨Prepare for Financial Discussions
Since you'll be handling budget forecasts and monthly valuations, brush up on your financial reporting skills. Be ready to discuss how you've managed high-value contracts in the past, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them. This will reassure the interviewers of your commercial acumen.
