ASSISTANT QUANTITY SURVEYOR / TRANIEE QS (TRADITIONAL CONSTRUCTION) in York

We are seeking an Assistant Quantity Surveyor / Trainee QS to join Scothern Construction, a family-run business with over 40 years experience delivering new builds, refurbishments, heritage projects and design-and-build schemes across North Yorkshire. If you are looking for stability, a close-knit team and the chance to grow alongside an established firm with traditional values, this is a great opportunity.

Founded in 1989, Scothern Construction is known for its craftsmanship, loyalty to its people and longstanding client relationships. With a strong pipeline of commercial and residential work, including a £17m, 66-unit housing development starting next year, this is an exciting time to join a business that is expanding into larger, more complex schemes while retaining the culture that has kept their team together for decades.

This role offers genuine flexibility depending on your experience. Whether you are an early-career professional ready to learn from seasoned experts, or a more established Surveyor / Planner / Buyer seeking a steady, well-run environment, you will be welcomed into a supportive team where your contribution really matters.

You will work closely with the existing QS (who has been with the company more than a decade), developing project schedules, managing procurement across multiple schemes, and helping ensure projects run on time and within budget. You will source suppliers, negotiate prices, place orders, manage supply chain logistics, support cost planning, carry out measurements and visit sites as needed. Most of your work will be office-based in Malton, with occasional client or site visits using the company’s pool vehicles.

To qualify: Whether you call yourself a Construction Planner, Buyer, Assistant QS, Quantity Surveyor or similar, we do not mind you just need a CV that demonstrates:

• Experience within the construction industry (commercial, residential or mixed project portfolios)
• Confidence developing project schedules and tracking progress across live jobs
• Confidence in sourcing competitive prices, negotiating with suppliers and supporting cost planning
• Experience managing procurement of materials, subcontractors and equipment
• The ability to read drawings, carry out measurements, prepare projects etc.
• Strong organisation skills and a hands-on, team-focused approach
• A positive attitude and desire for long-term growth within a stable company

Whether you are 23 years into your career or bring 10+ years of practical experience, what matters most is mindset: reliability, pride in your work, and a willingness to be part of a small, tight-knit team. This role could suit someone in the early stages of their career, or an experienced professional looking for a stable, long-term role. We are open-minded for the right person, what really counts is attitude and a commitment to being part of the team.

In return: You will join a traditional, well-established contractor that genuinely looks after its people. Expect long-term security, a supportive working culture, varied project exposure, a competitive salary (£30k - £40k DOE), pension, and access to company pool cars for site visits. This is your chance to build a lasting career with a business that values loyalty, craftsmanship and community.