At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management of major data centre projects and drive financial performance.
- Company: Join a respected contractor with over 40 years in the Data, Defence, and Energy sectors.
- Benefits: Earn up to £100,000 plus car allowance, healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for career progression and mentoring junior professionals.
- Why this job: Take ownership of complex projects and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction project management and strong negotiation skills required.
Walker & Sloan are working with an outstanding specialist construction contractor to recruit an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to lead the commercial management of a major data centre development in Corsham, Wiltshire. Our client is a highly respected general contractor with over forty years of specialist experience across the Data, Defence and Energy sectors. A comprehensive design, construction and engineering provider, they deliver everything from site acquisition and architecture through to refurbishment and client occupancy, on projects where there are no simple solutions, only specialist needs.
This appointment will see you leading the commercial delivery of extensive enabling and infrastructure works supporting multiple data halls and associated facilities. The package includes the design and delivery of below-ground infrastructure (attenuation ponds, drainage networks, underground utility corridors and site-wide duct installations), HV and MV power infrastructure, data and security ducting, chambers and utility interfaces, together with all foundations and reinforced concrete slabs serving the data centre buildings. Further scope may include the design and construction of ancillary buildings across the campus.
For an ambitious Senior Quantity Surveyor looking to take genuine commercial ownership of a complex, high-value infrastructure package, this represents an exceptional opportunity.
The Opportunity
As Senior Quantity Surveyor, you'll take a leading role in the commercial management of major mission-critical and defence projects, ensuring their successful financial and contractual delivery. Working closely with the Commercial Director, Project Directors and wider delivery teams, you'll take responsibility for driving commercial performance, protecting project margins and ensuring robust cost control throughout the construction lifecycle. You'll have genuine autonomy to influence commercial decisions, manage complex contractual matters and identify opportunities to improve project profitability. Importantly, this isn't simply a reporting position. You'll be a key commercial decision-maker, providing strategic input, challenging project performance and helping shape successful commercial outcomes.
The Role
You'll lead the commercial management of assigned projects or major work packages, taking responsibility for procurement, subcontractor negotiations, cost reporting, forecasting, variations and final account settlements. Working alongside experienced operational and technical teams, you'll oversee cost value reconciliations, manage commercial risks and opportunities, and ensure contractual entitlements are identified, substantiated and recovered. You'll play a pivotal role in managing complex subcontractor accounts, negotiating commercial settlements and ensuring project financial performance remains aligned with agreed targets. A key part of the position will involve providing commercial leadership to the wider project team, influencing procurement and construction decisions, supporting value engineering and proactively identifying opportunities to improve project margins. You'll also have the opportunity to mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors, Assistant Quantity Surveyors and Trainees, helping establish consistent commercial standards and supporting the continued development of the commercial function. You'll build effective relationships with the client, consultants, utility providers and subcontractors, and support the Commercial Manager with reporting and escalation of material commercial risks. With the scale and technical complexity of a major data centre infrastructure package, this position offers significant responsibility, commercial autonomy and the opportunity to make a genuine impact on project success.
About You
You'll be an established Senior Quantity Surveyor or experienced Project Quantity Surveyor with a strong background delivering major construction projects for a recognised main contractor or specialist contractor. You'll possess excellent commercial and contractual knowledge, strong negotiation capabilities and the confidence to independently manage significant construction packages. Experience of civils, infrastructure, groundworks, utilities or HV/MV packages would be particularly advantageous, ideally within Data Centres, Mission Critical, Defence, Energy or other major construction environments.
- Significant experience managing the commercial delivery of major construction projects or packages
- Strong knowledge of JCT, NEC and other relevant construction contracts
- Proven experience in procurement, subcontractor management and final account negotiations
- Excellent cost value reconciliation, forecasting and financial reporting capabilities
- Experience managing complex variations, claims and commercial risks
- Strong leadership skills with experience mentoring junior commercial professionals
- The ability to influence project teams and make commercially sound decisions
A degree, HNC or HND in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline is required, with MRICS, MCIOB or progress towards professional accreditation considered advantageous. Data centre or defence experience would be highly beneficial, although commercially strong candidates from other technically complex construction sectors are strongly encouraged to apply. Above all, we're looking for someone who combines exceptional commercial awareness with a proactive, solutions-focused approach and the confidence to take ownership of significant project responsibilities.
What's on Offer?
- Up to £100,000 basic salary
- Car allowance (where eligible)
- Competitive pension scheme
- BUPA Healthcare & Cash Plan
- Electric vehicle scheme
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Eyecare vouchers
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and your birthday off
- A leading commercial role on a major data centre infrastructure package
- Exposure to below-ground infrastructure, HV/MV power and major RC foundation works
- Genuine commercial autonomy and leadership responsibility
- Opportunity to mentor and develop junior commercial professionals
- Long-term career progression within a highly respected, growing specialist contractor
If you're an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor looking for a senior commercial role close to home in Wiltshire, this represents an outstanding opportunity to join a growing specialist contractor delivering some of the UK's most technically demanding construction projects. You'll have the chance to take genuine ownership of commercial performance, work alongside an experienced leadership team and play a pivotal role in the continued growth of the business. Apply today or contact Walker & Sloan for a confidential discussion.
Senior Quantity Surveyor in Bath employer: Walker & Sloan
Join a well-established national construction business in Cardiff, where you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering high-quality residential developments. With a strong emphasis on career progression and job security, this role offers competitive benefits including a salary of up to £70,000, a car allowance, and a robust pension plan. Experience a collaborative work culture that values innovation and sustainability while contributing to meaningful projects that enhance local communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Quantity Surveyor in Bath
✨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 Walker & Sloan, 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 Walker & Sloan.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Quantity Surveyor in Bath
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 Walker & Sloan
✨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!
