At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial oversight and strategy for facilities management across the North of England.
- Company: Join VIVO Defence Services, a leader in military facilities management.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, company car, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a commitment to diversity and inclusion.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a mission-driven environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in construction and a qualification in Quantity Surveying required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
VIVO provides facilities management and accommodation maintenance for the UK military and its partners. VIVO embodies both experience and innovation.
We put our Customers and Families First. They are the driving force behind everything we do. We drive forward improvements for them to ensure the service they receive, whether reactive repairs or a major project, is completed safely and on time. In order to achieve this, we have 4 core values: open, caring, agile and collaborative. These are at the heart of everything we do.
Location: Mobile role covering Leicestershire to Northumberland
Salary: Competitive + Company Car/Car Allowance
12 month FTC, Maternity cover
We are seeking a highly skilled and motivated Senior Quantity Surveyor to provide commercial oversight and leadership across a dynamic and complex facilities management contract. Operating across a large portfolio of sites in the North of England, this role combines technical acumen, stakeholder engagement, and operational strategy to ensure effective cost control, contract compliance, and value for money.
Working closely with Area Managers, Project Managers, and the Commercial Team, you will be a key interface with internal stakeholders and external clients, including Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO) and end users. You will ensure that all commercial processes, including pricing, contract change management, and supplier engagement, are handled in a professional and timely manner. This includes maintaining commercial control, ensuring milestone payments are achieved, final accounts are reconciled, and supplier performance is consistently reviewed and improved.
You will lead the delivery of change management under the FDIS contract, managing queries from the supply chain and guiding them through the pricing and tender process. Your role includes supporting dispute avoidance and resolution, contributing to commercial risk assessments, and assisting with post-contract cost control. By developing and maintaining commercial documentation, reports, and adjudications, you will ensure clarity and consistency in all project financials, supporting the delivery of both core and billable works.
Acting as a trusted advisor and liaison point, you’ll build strong working relationships with key stakeholders, promoting collaboration and transparency. You will support the development of the area relationship improvement plan and promote compliance with BS11000 standards on collaborative business relationships. Your ability to offer commercial guidance will inspire confidence in others, support decision-making, and help teams fulfil their contractual responsibilities with clarity and accountability.
This role requires strong communication and negotiation skills, along with the capability to build effective commercial models, manage risk, and analyse and resolve disputes. You will be proactive in managing fraud prevention measures and ensuring all activities are aligned with business policies, health and safety standards, and sustainability objectives.
You should have extensive commercial experience in construction, property maintenance, or a related field, with demonstrable experience in cost modelling, contract negotiation, and operational delivery. A qualification at HND/Foundation Degree level (or equivalent experience) in Quantity Surveying is essential, as is at least 4 years of experience in the FM or construction sector. Experience in large-scale or multi-site operations is preferred, particularly within the defence or military context.
The ideal candidate will be confident working with complex contracts, commercially aware, and adept at identifying and delivering cost-saving opportunities without compromising service delivery. You will inspire confidence, lead by example, and support the wider business through strong leadership, direction, and accountability.
This role is based in the North of England, with regular travel across the region from Northumberland to Leicestershire. A full UK driving licence is essential, and security clearance will be required.
If you’re ready to take on a commercially critical role in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment, and you thrive on delivering value and supporting operational success, we’d love to hear from you.
What We Offer:
- 25 days annual leave
- 6% employee matched pension contribution
- Company car/car allowance
- Single private medical cover
- Life assurance 2 x annual salary
At VIVO, we are committed to building a diverse and inclusive organisation that supports the needs of all. Therefore, we will make reasonable adjustments at interview through to employment for our candidates and strongly encourage applications from a diverse candidate pool.
We are open to discussions around flexibility and flexible working and operate a hybrid work structure in many of our business areas. We are proudly a Disability Confident Leader. Disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the job will be given the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities at an interview.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Catterick Garrison employer: VIVO Defence Services
VIVO Defence Services is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that prioritises collaboration and innovation in facilities management for the UK military. With competitive benefits including a company car, generous annual leave, and a commitment to employee growth through flexible working arrangements, VIVO fosters a culture of inclusivity and support, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the North of England.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Catterick Garrison
✨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 VIVO Defence Services, 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 Surveyor at VIVO Defence Services.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Catterick Garrison
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 VIVO Defence Services
✨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!