Senior Quantity Surveyor

Genesis Homes; Penrith; On-site; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading residential developer in the UK is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to oversee the full commercial management of housing developments. This role involves ensuring cost-effective delivery while mentoring junior Quantity Surveyors. Responsibilities include managing contractor relationships, preparing tender documentation, and delivering quality management information. The ideal candidate has proven experience in the UK housebuilding sector and strong negotiation skills. The position is full-time, with a competitive salary based on experience.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within the UK housebuilding sector.
• Demonstrable experience in mentoring and developing junior commercial staff.
• Experience in managing multi-site residential developments.

Responsibilities

• Manage the commercial aspects of housing developments from start to finish.
• Provide mentoring and oversight to junior Quantity Surveyors.
• Lead the selection and performance management of subcontractors.

Skills

Experience in UK housebuilding sector

Mentoring and supervisory skills

Strong negotiation skills

Excellent communication skills

Job description

Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, the Senior Quantity Surveyor will be responsible for the full commercial management of a number of residential housing developments from development commencement through to final account. The role will play a key part in ensuring the cost‑effective delivery of the business plan, maximising value and profitability across multiple sites.

In addition to managing their own portfolio of developments, the Senior Quantity Surveyor will provide mentoring, guidance and technical oversight to junior Quantity Surveyors, supporting their development and ensuring consistency, accuracy and best practice across the commercial function. The role will act as a key point of communication between Head Office, site teams, subcontractors and suppliers.

Key Accountabilities

Identify and assess trade and contractor requirements for successful completion of viabilities and site completion

• Commercial responsibility for allocated housing projects from development commencement to completion
• Secure best value through comprehensive and competitive tendering strategies
• Negotiate fixed price periods and manage cost certainty against land viability allowances
• Gain approval of all subcontractor tender lists prior to tender issue
• Prepare, implement and regularly review robust tender documentation, trade and addendum specifications
• Carry out detailed tender analysis to enable accurate comparison against budgets and viability targets
• Evaluate tender returns and identify commercial and contractual risks
• Complete and manage CVR reports, forecasts and profit and loss reviews in line with business requirements

Effective management and selection of contractors and sub‑contractors to meet the business plan

• Lead the selection, appointment and performance management of subcontractors and suppliers
• Contribute to identifying and onboarding new subcontractors to support business growth
• Ensure that sub‑contractors fully meet Pre‑Qualification requirements and are loaded to Construction Manager
• Ensure that all sub‑contractors appointed are on the appropriate system
• Monitor and review commercial performance of sub‑contractors
• Effectively manage the sub‑contractor tender process to agreed standards and protocols
• Prepare, compile and update trade specifications
• Monitor and analyse tender returns
• Ensure accurate and timely contract administration
• Process payments in alignment with authorisation and payment schedule criteria
• Provide day‑to‑day mentoring, coaching and technical support to junior Quantity Surveyors
• Review and oversee the work of junior team members, including valuations, CVRs, forecasts and final accounts
• Support the development of junior Quantity Surveyors through structured guidance, knowledge sharing and performance feedback
• Monitor team outputs to ensure accuracy, consistency and adherence to commercial processes
• Escalate risks, resource issues and development needs to the Commercial Director
• Promote best practice, continuous improvement and standardisation across the commercial team

Ensure the delivery of quality management information in line with business requirements and timescales

• Gain understanding of customer requirements at all levels to ensure delivery meets expectations
• Build and maintain stakeholder and customer relationships
• Lead the review of management information on projects, in conjunction with the Commercial manager, to ensure continuous improvement and the production of relevant reports in line with the business
• Lead the delivery of key deadlines across the projects with focus on accuracy and timely outputs
• Monitor and review the progress of outputs of the team, providing direction and refocus when required
• Ensure a sustainable, viable and commercial supply chain that meets all existing and future business requirements and considerations
• Monitoring and reporting of sub‑contractor and supplier performance
• Management and monitoring of build costs across the spectrum of developments
• Ensure the business has robust tender processes that mitigate risks to the business
• Manage a payments system for the payment of sub‑contractors and the suppliers of goods and materials in line with Genesis Homes policies and procedures
• Management and delivery of CVR reports in line with agreed targets
• Lead and manage the commercial aspects of key projects and processes

Enablers to the Role

• Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within the UK housebuilding sector
• Experience operating at Senior QS level or ready to step up into a senior role
• Demonstrable experience in mentoring, supervising or developing junior commercial staff
• Experience in managing multi‑site and multi‑product residential developments
• High level of ability to gather, analyse and interpret commercial data
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills
• Experience in working with external bodies, processes and consultations
• Strong knowledge of commercial viability, budgets, CVRs and supply chain management
• Experience in resourcing appropriate specialist consultants and suppliers
• Experience in dealing with and consulting with Local Authorities and other such formal bodies
• Confidential and professional approach at all times

Further Notes

• Role reports directly to the Commercial Manager
• Full time working week equivalent to 40 hours.
• Salary – Commensurate with experience

If this sounds like the role for you, then we look forward to hearing from you. Please [e-mail] with your C.V and covering letter.