At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction commercial functions and manage budgets for critical infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join United Infrastructure, a rapidly expanding business in the utility and social infrastructure sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, benefits package, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative, high-performing team environment with excellent leadership exposure.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a critical commercial function in a growing division.
- Qualifications: Experience in Quantity Surveying with strong skills in cost planning and team management.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our highly skilled specialists deliver innovative solutions to complex client challenges. Our organization is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure – design, build and maintain critical water, energy, power and telecoms infrastructure for the UK’s largest network owners and operators; and Social Infrastructure – revitalise homes and communities through retrofit, refurbishment and maintenance.
Equal Opportunities Statement
We are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If we can support you, remove barriers or make the process more accessible, please let us know.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Leadership & Governance
Lead and manage the pre‑construction commercial function, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and control across all projects. Own and oversee divisional budgets, cost plans and financial forecasting. Establish and maintain robust commercial processes, controls and reporting standards. - CVR & Financial Management
Take full accountability for the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process across the pre‑construction portfolio. Ensure timely, accurate reporting of cost position, risks, opportunities and forecast outcomes. Challenge assumptions, cost movements and commercial risks to protect business margins. Provide clear financial reporting and insight to senior leadership. - Team Leadership & Development
Manage, mentor and develop a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors. Set objectives, monitor performance and support professional development. Ensure appropriate resource allocation and workload balance across projects. - Cost Planning & Pre‑Construction Support
Lead the development and validation of detailed cost plans and budgets. Support bid and tender processes, ensuring competitive and commercially sound submissions. Drive value engineering initiatives and cost optimisation strategies. Work closely with design and pre‑construction teams to ensure alignment between scope and budget. - Procurement & Supply Chain Management
Oversee pre‑construction procurement strategies and package scoping. Support early supply chain engagement to inform pricing, risk management and buildability. Ensure compliance with procurement governance and commercial best practice. - Risk & Opportunity Management
Identify, manage and report commercial risks and opportunities across all schemes. Ensure risk allowances, contingencies and commercial positions are robust and defensible. Support mitigation strategies to protect cost certainty and programme outcomes. - Stakeholder Engagement
Act as a key commercial interface with internal teams, clients and supply chain partners. Present commercial updates and financial positions to senior stakeholders. Support collaborative working across design, construction and operational teams.
Qualifications
- Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role, ideally within pre‑construction.
- Strong knowledge of CVR processes, cost planning and budget management.
- Experience managing and developing commercial teams.
- Skilled in commercial strategy, risk management and financial reporting.
- Excellent communication, leadership and stakeholder management capabilities.
- Experience within construction, cladding remediation or main contracting is highly desirable.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Opportunity to lead a critical commercial function within a growing division.
- Clear career progression and leadership exposure.
- A collaborative, high‑performing team environment.
Pre - Construction Lead QS in Dartford employer: UI Social Infrastructure Limited
United Infrastructure is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a collaborative and high-performing team environment. With a focus on delivering critical infrastructure projects, we offer competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and clear career progression opportunities, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the utility and social infrastructure sectors.
Contact Details:
UI Social Infrastructure Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre - Construction Lead QS in Dartford
✨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 UI Social Infrastructure Limited, 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 Pre - Construction Lead QS at UI Social Infrastructure Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre - Construction Lead QS in Dartford
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 UI Social Infrastructure Limited
✨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!
