Quantity Surveyor / Project Cost Manager in London

THE ROLE

We are looking for a hands-on Quantity Surveyor to take commercial ownership of a large-scale residential regeneration project in London. This is a site-based, delivery-focused role where you will manage the full cost lifecycle — from procurement through to final account — working alongside a multi-disciplinary project team.

You will be responsible for managing multiple subcontract packages, controlling variations, forecasting final costs, and ensuring robust financial governance throughout the construction phase.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Procurement & Subcontract Management

• Develop scope of works and package breakdowns for specialist subcontract packages
• Prepare and manage tender lists, issue tender documents, and evaluate returns
• Conduct tender interviews, post-tender clarifications, and pre-award meetings
• Prepare and execute subcontract documents in line with Group frameworks
• Ensure fair and transparent tender processes with full audit trails

Cost Control & Reporting

• Prepare and present monthly cost reports, valuations, and Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs) to senior management
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and forecast final costs with accuracy
• Identify and report potential cost overruns early, recommending corrective actions
• Maintain subcontractor monitoring spreadsheets (procurement schedules, appointment records)

Variation & Change Management

• Assess cost implications of design changes and issue variation orders
• Negotiate variation values with subcontractors and agree site instructions
• Track and report on cumulative variation exposure across all packages
• Support the Project Manager in evaluating financial impacts of site programme decisions

Payments & Final Accounts

• Process subcontractor interim payments in accordance with contract terms
• Prepare and issue payment notices and relevant documentation on time
• Negotiate and agree final accounts with subcontractors within one month of practical completion
• Ensure all final account submissions are accurate, substantiated, and properly recorded

Stakeholder Collaboration

• Attend design team meetings, subcontractor progress meetings, and commercial reviews
• Work closely with technical, engineering, construction, sales, and customer service teams
• Liaise with procurement on material/plant ledger expenditure and forecasting
• Support the project team with commercial advice and contractual awareness

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Experience

• Proven track record in a Quantity Surveying role with a residential developer or main contractor
• Site-based experience, with exposure to large-scale regeneration or mixed-use schemes
• Full lifecycle experience: procurement, variations, valuations, and final accounts

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or a related discipline
• RICS or CIOB accreditation (or working towards) is highly desirable

Technical Skills

• Strong knowledge of JCT contracts and subcontract procurement routes
• Proficient in cost planning, measurement, tendering, valuations, and final account settlement
• Solid understanding of building regulations, construction techniques, and materials
• Advanced Excel skills; experience with COINS or similar commercial systems is advantageous

Personal Attributes

• Self-motivated and proactive — able to take ownership of packages with minimal supervision
• Commercially astute — instinct for protecting margins and identifying savings
• Strong negotiator and communicator — confident presenting to stakeholders at all levels
• Resilient and composed under pressure in a fast-paced site environment
• Collaborative team player who builds strong working relationships across disciplines
• Detail-oriented with a commitment to accuracy and compliance