Managing Quantity Surveyor – Civil Engineering

Managing Quantity Surveyor (MQS)

Location: Kings Langley

Working Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Salary & Benefits: Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum

Car Options: Fully expensed company vehicle (available for personal use), or £7,500 annual car allowance (£625/month)

Pension: 5% employee contribution (minimum) and 5% employer contribution via salary sacrifice scheme

Private Healthcare: Available after 6 months (includes diagnostics, scans, dental, optical, and therapy treatments)

Bonus: Annual profit-related bonus (subject to company performance)

Life Insurance: 3x salary (after successful completion of probation period)

Gym Membership: Discounted access to gyms, pools, and spas via a fitness partner

Role Overview

The Managing Quantity Surveyor is responsible for the commercial and contractual management of customer projects, ensuring strong financial control, contract compliance, accurate forecasting, and effective risk management across UK operations.

The role works closely with Project Managers to support delivery, maximise value, manage contract changes, protect the company’s commercial position, and ensure accurate reporting. The MQS acts as a subject matter expert in JCT and NEC3/4 contracts, promoting best-practice commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle.

Reports to: Operations Manager

Direct Reports: None

Key Relationships

Project Managers

Engineers & Technical Teams

Finance Manager

Sales / Commercial Teams

Senior Leadership

Clients & Principal Contractors

Key Responsibilities

1. Contract & Commercial Management

Lead commercial administration across projects under NEC3/4, JCT, and bespoke contracts

Ensure all contractual obligations, notices, and communications are issued correctly and on time

Advise Project Managers on contractual rights, risks, programme impacts, and entitlements

Manage extensions of time, compensation events, variations, and disputes

2. Financial Management & Cost Control

Prepare and manage cost plans, CVRs, and cashflow forecasts

Review subcontractor costs, labour, plant, and resource allocation

Ensure accurate valuations and strong cash recovery

Identify commercial risks and opportunities early

3. Client & Stakeholder Management

Act as the lead commercial contact for clients and contractors

Attend meetings, reviews, and negotiations

Support relationship building to improve project outcomes and minimise disputes

4. Change & Compensation Management

Implement and manage change control processes

Prepare and agree compensation events, variations, and re-measures

Maintain detailed records to support claims and entitlement

5. Reporting & Forecasting

Produce monthly commercial reports

Present CVRs and explain financial performance and variances

Ensure data accuracy and audit compliance

6. Project & Operational Support

Collaborate with Project Managers to align commercial and operational decisions

Provide commercial guidance and mentoring (non-line management)

Support procurement decisions to ensure commercial viability

7. Risk, Compliance & Documentation

Maintain comprehensive commercial records and documentation

Support dispute resolution processes if required

Ensure compliance with internal management systems and governance standards

Experience & Qualifications

Essential

Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar

7–10 years’ experience in construction, civil engineering, or subcontracting

Strong knowledge of NEC3/4 and JCT contracts (including Options A/C/E)

Proven experience managing multiple projects

Strong commercial and financial acumen

Experience with valuations, CVRs, forecasts, and final accounts

Excellent negotiation and communication skills

High attention to detail and organisation

Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable

Professional membership (e.g. RICS)

Experience in geotechnical, environmental, or civil engineering subcontracting

Working Conditions

Based at head office with occasional travel to project sites across the UK (typically a few times per month)

Hybrid working available (1–2 days from home depending on candidate)

Projects typically range from £250k to £6m (average ~£1m)

Additional Information

Predominantly office-based with regular computer use

Occasional visits to operational facilities may be required

General Expectations

Promote high standards of safety, quality, and environmental performance

Support continuous improvement across commercial practices

Undertake additional responsibilities appropriate to the seniority of the role