Managing Quantity Surveyor in Watford

The Managing Quantity Surveyor is responsible for the commercial and contractual management of WJ’s customer projects, ensuring robust financial control, contract compliance, accurate forecasting, and commercial risk management across all UK operations. The role works closely with WJ Project Managers to support delivery, maximise value, manage contract change, protect WJ’s commercial position, and ensure accurate and timely reporting. The MQS will be the company’s subject matter expert in managing JCT and NEC3/4 construction contracts, ensuring best practice commercial governance across the project lifecycle.

Key areas of responsibility:

• Contract & Commercial Management
  • Lead commercial administration of all allocated WJ projects under NEC3/4, JCT, and bespoke contract frameworks.
  • Ensure contractual obligations, notices, early warnings, and communications are issued correctly and on time.
  • Provide authoritative advice to Project Managers on contractual rights, risk, programme impacts, and entitlement.
  • Manage extension of time submissions, compensation events, variations, and contractual disputes.
• Financial Management & Cost Control
  • Prepare, manage, and maintain project cost plans, internal CVRs, and monthly cashflow forecasts.
  • Review and validate subcontractor costs, plant & labour allocations, and resource expenditure.
  • Ensure accurate monthly valuations, including both measured and forecast values, supporting strong cash recovery.
  • Provide early identification of commercial risk/opportunity to the Operations Manager and Senior Leadership.
• Client Interface & Relationship Management
  • Act as the lead commercial interface with clients, main contractors, and commercial representatives.
  • Attend progress meetings, commercial reviews, and contract negotiations on behalf of WJ.
  • Support the Project Manager in building strong professional relationships to optimise project performance and reduce disputes.
• Change Control & Compensation Event Management
  • Establish and maintain a clear change management process across projects.
  • Prepare and agree compensation events, variations, quotations, and re-measures in accordance with contract rules.
  • Ensure accurate records are maintained to support entitlement and defend WJ against disallowed or non-recoverable costs.
• Reporting, Forecasting & Governance
  • Produce accurate monthly commercial reports for the Operations Manager, Finance Manager, and Managing Director.
  • Present CVR outcomes and explain budget movements, risks, overruns, or margin variances.
  • Ensure all commercial data is auditable, accurate, and aligned with WJ’s IMS and financial controls.
• Support to Operations & Project Delivery
  • Work collaboratively with Project Managers to ensure that operational decisions consider commercial impact.
  • Provide commercial training, guidance, and mentoring to Project Managers and site leads (no formal line management).
  • Ensure procurement recommendations (suppliers, subcontractors, materials) are commercially sound and compliant.
• Risk, Compliance & Record Keeping
  • Maintain robust commercial records, including correspondence, notices, site diaries, measurements, and cost evidence.
  • Support dispute resolution, mediation, adjudication or claims processes if required.
  • Ensure commercial processes comply with WJ’s IMS, QMS, SHEQ requirements, and corporate governance expectations.

Qualifications & Experience Essential

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar.
• Minimum 7–10 years’ experience in quantity surveying within the construction, civil engineering or specialist subcontracting sectors.
• Proven track record administering NEC3/4 and JCT forms of contract (including Options A/C/E).
• Strong commercial acumen with experience managing multi-project portfolios.
• Excellent negotiation skills and ability to deal with clients and contractors at a senior level.
• Strong analytical & financial reporting capability.
• Experience preparing valuations, CE submissions, forecasts, CVRs, and final accounts.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High attention to detail and strong organisational ability.
• Full UK Driving Licence.

Desirable

• Professional membership (e.g., RICS).
• Experience in geotechnical, dewatering, environmental or civil engineering subcontracting.

Working Conditions

Based at WJ’s UK Head Office (Kings Langley) with regular travel to sites and client offices across the UK. Occasional travel to WJ’s yard facilities for project reviews or commercial support.

Physical Requirements

The role is predominately office based but does require that the candidate utilises a Visual Display Unit (VDU) as part of their day-to-day activities.

General Expectations

• Uphold WJ’s values and commitment to safety, quality and environmental performance.
• Promote continuous improvement and positive commercial practices across the business.
• Undertake other reasonable duties consistent with the role’s seniority and commercial function.