Managing M&E Quantity Surveyor

James Lewis Recruitment

Managing M&E Quantity Surveyor

London | Data Centres | Permanent

This is a role for a senior commercial lead who wants proper influence across major data centre projects, not just a reporting title.

You will be taking commercial responsibility across multiple technically demanding schemes, leading a team of Quantity Surveyors and working closely with senior commercial, project and operational leadership. The role needs someone who can keep a tight grip on cost, risk, procurement, contract position and project profitability while still being able to support and develop the people around them.

The business operates in the data centre sector, delivering complex M&E, connectivity, technical infrastructure and associated specialist services. The work is fast-moving, high value and commercially detailed, so this would suit someone who is comfortable working in a demanding environment where accuracy, pace and judgement matter.

The Role

You will report into the Head of Commercial and take ownership of commercial governance across assigned projects, making sure costs, forecasts, variations, risks, opportunities and final accounts are properly managed.

A major part of the role will be leading the commercial team, setting standards, allocating workload and making sure each project has the right level of support. You will be expected to mentor junior staff, hold people accountable and create a strong commercial culture across the team.

You will also work closely with Project Managers, Operations Directors, clients and supply chain partners to protect margin, manage contractual exposure and ensure the business is making strong commercial decisions from bid stage through to completion.

What You Will Be Doing

* Leading a team of Quantity Surveyors across multiple data centre projects.

* Managing project budgets, forecasts, cost plans, CVRs, valuations and profit and loss reporting.

* Reviewing commercial risk, contractual exposure, variations, notices and final accounts.

* Supporting bids and future opportunities by assessing commercial viability and identifying risk early.

* Developing procurement strategies and managing subcontractor and material order processes.

* Reviewing and approving commercial documentation, subcontract agreements and purchase orders.

* Providing regular commercial updates, financial reporting and risk summaries to senior management.

* Working with project teams to ensure cost control, cash flow, margin and programme alignment are properly managed.

* Supporting audits, project reviews and post-project lessons learnt.

* Maintaining strong client and supply chain relationships while protecting the commercial position of the business.

What You Will Need

* A strong background in quantity surveying or commercial management within M&E, data centres or technically demanding building services projects.

* Experience leading or mentoring other Quantity Surveyors.

* Strong commercial judgement across cost control, forecasting, procurement, variations, final accounts and contract risk.

* The ability to work closely with project, operational and commercial leadership.

* Confidence dealing with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.

* Good negotiation, communication and influencing skills.

* Strong numeracy, attention to detail and the ability to work under pressure.

* Experience with ERP systems, SharePoint, Office 365 and commercial reporting tools.

* A Quantity Surveying or Construction Management qualification would be useful, but strong relevant experience is the priority.

* A full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel when required.

Why This Role Stands Out

* This is a strong opportunity for someone who wants to be more than just the commercial lead on one project.

* You will have visibility across multiple schemes, direct access to senior leadership and the chance to shape how the commercial team operates. The data centre market remains one of the strongest sectors in building services, and good commercial leaders who understand this environment are in high demand.

* For someone who enjoys contract detail, team leadership, risk management and high-value technical projects, this is a very strong move.

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