Quantity Surveyor
Vertical Recruitment is working with an established independent construction consultancy in Manchester to appoint a Quantity Surveyor as part of the continued growth of its Cost Management team.
This is an opportunity for a QS who has built a solid foundation in consultancy but now wants broader exposure - more involvement across the lifecycle of a project, closer contact with clients and a clearer understanding of how their contribution fits into the bigger picture.
The business combines the professional standards and project quality you'd expect from a larger consultancy with the accessibility and flexibility of a smaller independent practice.
For someone who wants to progress without getting lost in a large team or waiting for the person above them to move before they can step up, it's a really interesting proposition.
The Consultancy
The business is an established Manchester-based construction consultancy with a growing portfolio of work and a strong network of longstanding clients.
It's a relatively lean operation, which has a noticeable impact on how people work.
Projects aren't split into tiny pieces and passed through multiple levels of management. Quantity Surveyors get exposure to the wider commission, understand the client's objectives and work closely with the senior people responsible for delivering it.
The Directors remain involved in live projects and client relationships, so there's plenty of experience around you, but the intention isn't for them to hold onto everything.
As you demonstrate capability, responsibility follows.
That creates a good environment for someone who is ambitious but still wants access to experienced people while developing.
The Role
You'll join the Cost Management team and work across a varied pipeline of construction and development projects, supporting commissions from the earliest stages of feasibility through procurement, construction and final account.
The exact level of responsibility will reflect your experience.
Initially, you'll work alongside senior members of the team on more complex commissions while taking increasing responsibility for your own projects.
Day to day, your work is likely to include:
- Feasibility estimates and early-stage cost advice.
- Cost planning throughout design development.
- Advising on procurement and tender strategy.
- Preparing tender and contract documentation.
- Tender analysis and contractor negotiations.
- Cost reporting and budget management.
- Valuations and payment recommendations.
- Managing variations and change.
- Attending and contributing to client and design team meetings.
- Working closely with contractors and multidisciplinary consultant teams.
- Commercial advice throughout construction.
- Final account negotiation and agreement.
As you develop, you'll be encouraged to take more responsibility for the client as well as the project – understanding their priorities, advising them directly and becoming someone they trust to pick up the phone to.
Why Consider It?
It's small enough that you'll know the people you're working with, have access to the Directors and see what's happening across the wider business.
But it's established enough to offer a strong project pipeline, experienced leadership and the structure you need to develop properly.
If you're capable of doing something, you'll be encouraged to do it. That could mean running your own meetings, managing a commission, developing a client relationship or getting involved in areas of the business that interest you beyond traditional QS delivery.
Who Would It Suit?
This would suit someone who already has a good grounding in Quantity Surveying and wants their next role to accelerate their development.
You might currently be an Assistant Quantity Surveyor ready to step into a QS position, or already operating at Quantity Surveyor level and looking for more autonomy and a clearer route forward.
You'll ideally bring:
- A relevant Quantity Surveying or construction-related degree.
- Experience within a consultancy or similar client-facing environment.
- Exposure to both pre- and post-contract duties.
- A good understanding of cost planning and tendering.
- Experience supporting projects through construction.
- Confidence communicating with clients, contractors and consultant teams.
- Good commercial awareness and attention to detail.
- An ambition to continue developing professionally.
If you're working towards MRICS, the business can support your continued professional development and progression towards chartership.
Just as importantly, they'll suit someone who is comfortable being part of a smaller team - someone who gets involved, communicates well and wants responsibility rather than needing everything to sit within a rigid job description.
Career Development
There's no predetermined ceiling attached to the position.
The intention is to bring someone into the team who can develop into a more senior QS, take ownership of increasingly significant commissions and build their own client relationships over time.
As the consultancy continues to grow, that also creates opportunities to become involved in the development of the wider business.
For someone who ultimately wants to become a Senior QS, Associate and potentially beyond, there's room to build towards that rather than waiting for a position to become available.
Package
Salary: Up to £45,000, dependent on experience
Location: Manchester
Working: Hybrid / flexible
Benefits: Competitive wider package and professional development support
This could be a particularly good move for someone who likes consultancy but wants to feel closer to the projects, closer to the clients and closer to the business they're helping to grow.
For further information or a confidential conversation, please contact Freya at Vertical Recruitment.
