At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management on key rail projects, ensuring effective cost and contract administration.
- Company: Dynamic company focused on delivering major infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong focus on mentorship and team success.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real impact on the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme.
- Qualifications: Experience in rail or infrastructure, with relevant qualifications and leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to act as Lead QS / Commercial Manager on a key Design Framework supporting the delivery of the Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) programme.
To support the project team in the effective management of time, cost, cash‑flow, revenue/value and quality to plan through to project close out. To provide functional commercial support to the project management team and ensure that timely and appropriate cost and contract administration is maintained.
Interfaces
- Internal: Framework project director, commercial director, project manager, planner, discipline leads and all other project support functions worldwide.
- External: Client Representatives, JV Partners, Sub‑contractors.
Key accountability:
- Prepare all relevant commercial data for the monthly reporting cycle and to provide estimates to complete in support of project forecasts and budget reviews.
- Work with project teams in managing the cost/programme impact and validation of change/compensation events and encourage the whole delivery team to strive to deliver value for money.
- Maintain necessary trackers to inform Project Management, Commercial and Project Controls reports, including EWN’s, NCE’s etc.
- Attendance to required risk reduction, change and progress meetings.
- Proactively manage and close out issues and risks, whilst maximising value for the project and maintaining a positive cash‑flow.
- Weekly and monthly progress reports as required.
- Analyse cost performance data and provide relevant input for monthly performance reports.
- Coordinate with and support the project controls team.
- Manage relationships with joint venture partner, subcontractors and affiliates.
- Responsible for implementing appropriate commercial strategies including effective project cost management, change management, risk and KPI management.
- Prepare and manage all commercial correspondence and contractual notices issued in accordance with contractual conditions.
- Identify emerging problems, report contractual claims and support in the management and resolution of legal and/or commercial disputes in conjunction with senior management.
- Sub‑contract account management and work package management of affiliates, including cost control and forecasting.
Commercial Leadership & Strategy
- Act as Lead Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager across framework commissions.
- Provide commercial leadership and governance across multiple work packages.
- Develop and implement project and framework‑level commercial strategies aligned to client objectives.
- Ensure compliance with framework, contract, and governance requirements.
- Support and mentor junior commercial staff, fostering a high‑performing team environment.
Contract Management
- Administer contracts in accordance with NEC contract principles (including compensation events, early warning and programme management).
- Lead the preparation and negotiation of compensation events, change control and contract amendments.
- Provide advice to the delivery team on contractual obligations, risks and entitlements.
Cost Management
- Prepare and manage project cost forecasts, budgets and financial reporting.
- Monitor project performance against target cost, budgets and programme milestones.
- Support the preparation of cost plans, estimates and commercial assessments for project stages.
Commercial Reporting
- Produce and maintain robust financial and commercial reporting including forecasting, earned value assessments, risk and opportunity registers, margin analysis.
- Provide clear commercial insight to project and framework leadership.
Change & Risk Management
- Manage change control processes, ensuring timely identification, notification and resolution of compensation events.
- Maintain project risk registers and commercial risk mitigation strategies.
- Support the identification and management of opportunities to improve commercial outcomes.
Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a key commercial interface with the client and delivery partners within the framework.
- Support collaborative working across multidisciplinary engineering and programme teams.
- Represent the commercial function at project review and governance meetings.
Framework Collaboration
- Work closely with other framework partners to support collaborative delivery objectives.
- Ensure commercial practices align with framework governance and programme requirements.
Profile/Skills
- Considerable relevant experience – Rail, infrastructure or similar.
- Shall be qualified with a BSc/MSc or equivalent.
- Shall be chartered member of a relevant professional body or is a member of a professional body and has enrolled onto, and is actively engaged, in its chartership programme. Or has a lesser qualification than chartership but is experienced via experience.
- Strong leadership qualities demonstrable through daily actions and engagement with individuals at all levels of an organisation.
- NEC3/4 Option A, E or C experience.
- Joint Venture Experience (preferred but not essential).
Senior Quantity Surveyor employer: SYSTRA
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor with us, you will thrive in a dynamic and supportive work environment that prioritises professional growth and collaboration. Our commitment to the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme not only offers you the chance to lead significant projects but also provides access to ongoing training and mentorship, ensuring your skills are continuously developed. With a strong focus on teamwork and innovation, we foster a culture where your contributions are valued, making us an exceptional employer in the infrastructure sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your past experiences and how they relate to the role. Use specific examples that highlight your skills in cost management, contract administration, and stakeholder engagement.
✨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, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor
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 rail and infrastructure, and don’t forget to showcase your leadership skills and any NEC contract experience you have.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to the Northern Powerhouse Rail programme and how you can add value to our team.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen:In your application, be sure to highlight your experience with cost management, change control, and risk management. We want to see how you've successfully navigated these areas in past roles, so give us the details!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at SYSTRA
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll need to be on top of your game with cost management. Brush up on your financial reporting skills and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets and forecasts in previous roles. Bring examples of your past work that demonstrate your ability to analyse cost performance data.
✨Understand the NEC Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC contract principles, especially if you have experience with NEC3/4. Be prepared to discuss how you've administered contracts in the past, including handling compensation events and change control. This will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership qualities, so think about times when you've led a team or mentored junior staff. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to foster a high-performing team environment and how you've navigated challenges in a collaborative setting.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Stakeholder engagement is key in this position. Prepare to discuss how you've effectively communicated with clients, delivery partners, and project teams in the past. Highlight any strategies you've used to maintain positive relationships and ensure collaborative working across multidisciplinary teams.
