At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial aspects of exciting highways projects and mentor a dynamic team.
- Company: Join Colas Ltd, a global leader in construction with a commitment to innovation and employee development.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, generous leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experienced Quantity Surveyor with NEC4 knowledge and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values respect, commitment, and pioneering spirit.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Colas have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join our Commercial Team supporting the Cheshire West and Chester Highways Maintenance and Response Contract. This is a key role within the business, responsible for providing commercial leadership, supporting the contract’s financial performance, and ensuring accurate and timely commercial reporting. You will oversee and mentor a team of commercial professionals, helping to guide Quantity Surveyors, Assistant Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Assistants while ensuring that all activities comply with Colas governance, policies, and procedures.
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will play a central role in managing the commercial aspects of the Cheshire West and Chester contract. You’ll be responsible for ensuring accurate cost forecasting, value recovery, and the effective management of subcontract packages from procurement through to final account. You will produce clear and detailed monthly reports and provide ongoing advice to senior management to support strategic and commercial decision-making. Your role will include supporting the pricing of quoted works and compensation events, managing change control processes, and ensuring full compliance with the NEC4 contract mechanisms. You will maintain accurate records of work progress, proactively manage commercial risk, and contribute to the continual improvement of commercial processes and procedures. Collaboration will be key, as you’ll work closely with operational teams to support project delivery, cost control, and performance monitoring across multiple workstreams.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor with a strong background in NEC4 contract administration and commercial management, ideally within highways or civil engineering projects. Holding a BSc in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, you bring at least five years of post-qualification experience and are working towards, or already hold, professional membership (RICS, CIOB, or ICES). You have proven expertise in managing budgets, cost forecasting, subcontract packages, and producing accurate commercial reports. A natural leader and effective communicator, you are skilled at mentoring teams, solving complex problems, and building collaborative relationships. With excellent numerical and IT skills, a commitment to health and safety, and a focus on continuous improvement, you thrive in fast-paced environments and are motivated to deliver results with integrity and professionalism.
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- Competitive salary rate PLUS Company Car/Car allowance
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Chester employer: United Kingdom
Contact Detail:
United Kingdom Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Chester
✨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 Colas and understanding their projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the Senior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in the past.
✨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, it shows you’re serious about joining the Colas team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Chester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Quantity Surveyor role. Highlight your experience with NEC4 contracts and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role at Colas and how you embody our core values. We love seeing genuine enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll be mentoring others. Make sure to highlight your leadership experience in your application. We want to know how you've guided teams and contributed to their success!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining the Colas family. We can't wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at United Kingdom
✨Know Your NEC4 Inside Out
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of NEC4 contract mechanisms. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these in past projects, as this will show your expertise and understanding of the role's requirements.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll be mentoring a team. Think of examples where you've successfully led a team or resolved conflicts. Highlighting your leadership style and how you foster collaboration will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Prepare for Commercial Scenarios
Expect questions around cost forecasting and value recovery. Prepare specific examples from your experience where you've managed budgets effectively or navigated complex commercial challenges. This will demonstrate your practical skills and problem-solving abilities.
✨Align with Colas' Values
Familiarise yourself with Colas' core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. Be ready to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and provide examples of how you've embodied these principles in your work.