At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management on a major residential project in Leeds.
- Company: Growing contractor and housebuilder with a strong development pipeline.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus structure, 25+ days holiday, and pension package.
- Other info: Clear progression potential and direct access to senior leadership.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact on high-profile projects and influence commercial direction.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying and 5+ years' experience in residential development.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We're supporting a growing contractor and housebuilder with an established development arm, delivering high-quality residential and mixed-tenure schemes across the region. Under new ownership and guided by an experienced senior leadership team, the business is entering a new phase of growth with a strong pipeline of housing and future medium- to large-scale developments.
To support a major live scheme in Leeds, we're looking for a Senior Quantity Surveyor who can take full commercial ownership, bring structure, and provide confident leadership across cost, contracts and subcontract management. This is an 18-month fixed-term contract with a strong likelihood of becoming permanent, offering the chance to step into a pivotal role on a high-profile project and make a meaningful impact from day one.
You will operate as the senior commercial lead on the project - managing budgets, valuations, variations, procurement and subcontractor accounts - while working closely with design, technical and operational teams to protect cost, quality and programme.
- Full commercial ownership of a major residential development in Leeds
- Prepare and manage development budgets, cost plans, valuations and monthly cost reports
- Lead procurement: scopes, tender packages, tender lists, subcontract tendering and contract documentation
- Manage subcontractor accounts including valuations, variations, payments and final accounts
- Work closely with design/technical teams to align proposals with budgets, buildability and value engineering
- Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities, proposing solutions that protect cost and programme
- Maintain strong supply chain relationships and onboard new subcontractors where required
- Provide regular site presence to validate progress, spend and commercial accuracy
- Attend design team meetings, subcontractor progress meetings and internal commercial reviews
- Manage client-side commercial elements including customer variations and extras quotations
What We're Looking For:
- Degree-qualified or equivalent in Quantity Surveying
- 5+ years' experience in housebuilding, residential development or mixed-tenure schemes
- Strong capability across cost planning, procurement, subcontract management and financial reporting
- Confident working with multiple stakeholders in a fast-paced environment
- Proactive, solutions-focused and commercially sharp
- Strong communicator with credibility across consultants, subcontractors and senior leadership
- Able to manage competing priorities and maintain control under pressure
- Available to start quickly
What's In It For You:
- £70,000-£80,000 salary
- Bonus structure
- 25+ days holiday + bank holidays
- Pension & benefits package
- Opportunity to join early and influence commercial direction
- Direct access to a respected Commercial Director and senior leadership
- Clear progression potential if the role becomes permanent
- A Leeds-based scheme with real visibility and impact
Senior Quantity Surveyors employer: The People Pod
Join a leading specialist brokerage in Greater Manchester that offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can thrive as a Client Director in the Transport, Haulage, and Logistics Insurance sector. With a strong emphasis on employee growth, you will inherit an established client portfolio while having the opportunity to shape regional strategy and lead a dedicated team. Enjoy a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a culture that promotes autonomy and professional development, making this an exceptional place for ambitious insurance professionals.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyors
✨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 The People Pod, 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 Surveyors at The People Pod.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyors
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 The People Pod
✨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!
