Lead Quantity Surveyor in Dartford

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Lead Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of the pre-construction commercial function across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is a key leadership position responsible for managing a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors, driving commercial governance, and ensuring the integrity of budgeting, cost planning, and CVR reporting across the division. You will play a critical role in shaping early-stage project success, influencing procurement strategy, and ensuring robust financial control throughout the pre-construction lifecycle. 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 About You * 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 / 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 Apply Now If you are a commercially astute leader looking to take ownership of pre-construction financial performance and drive excellence across a portfolio of projects, we’d love to hear from you