Lead Quantity Surveyor

Build Recruitment

Lead Quantity Surveyor

£50,000 – £70,000

Newhouse – North Lanarkshire

The Lead Quantity Surveyor will take commercial responsibility for reactive property maintenance contracts within the social housing sector. The role ensures effective cost control, contract compliance, value for money, and commercial performance across a high-volume, fast-paced reactive repairs environment. You will lead a team of Quantity Surveyors and work closely with operational, finance, and client stakeholders.

Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial Management

Lead the commercial management of reactive maintenance contracts, ensuring profitability, compliance, and value for money

Prepare, review, and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost/value reconciliations

Oversee interim valuations, final accounts, and variations in line with contract requirements

Ensure accurate measurement and valuation of reactive works, including schedule of rates (SOR) contracts

Contracts & Procurement

Manage contracts under forms such as JCT, NEC, or bespoke social housing frameworks

Oversee subcontractor procurement, negotiation, appointment, and performance

Ensure subcontractor payments, valuations, and final accounts are accurately assessed and agreed

Team Leadership

Line manage and mentor Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Quantity Surveyors

Set objectives, review performance, and support professional development

Ensure consistent commercial processes and best practice across the team

Client & Stakeholder Management

Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients, housing associations, and local authorities

Build strong working relationships with operational teams to support service delivery

Support client reporting, KPIs, and commercial governance meetings

Risk & Compliance

Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks

Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and regulatory standards

Support dispute resolution and commercial negotiations where required

Skills & ExperienceEssential

Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within social housing

Strong background in reactive property maintenance / repairs

Experience managing SOR-based contracts (e.g. NHF, Schedule of Rates)

Demonstrable experience leading or mentoring a commercial team

Strong commercial acumen and cost control skills

Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills

Desirable

MRICS or working towards professional qualification

Experience working with housing associations or local authorities

Knowledge of NEC or JCT forms of contract in maintenance environments

Qualifications
Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline

Personal Attributes
Proactive and solutions-focused

Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment

Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the wider commercial picture

Collaborative leader with a hands-on approach