Assistant Quantity Surveyor

M J Quinn; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 30,000 - GBP 40,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national organization is seeking an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to support commercial management of solar PV and battery energy storage projects. The role involves ensuring accurate measurement, cost control, and compliance with NEC contract processes. Ideal for early career professionals, it provides hands-on experience and structured mentoring towards Quantity Surveyor level. Competitive package with benefits and clear progression pathways. Location: Staffordshire and Cambridge.

Benefits

Mentoring from experienced QSs

Competitive package with benefits

Clear progression pathway

Qualifications

• 0–3 years of experience in a commercial role.
• Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 processes is desirable.
• Legal right to work in the UK and full UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Assist with monthly cost reporting and budget trackers.
• Conduct site measures and progress validation.
• Log and track Early Warning Notices and Compensation Events.
• Produce dashboard reports on commercial KPIs.

Skills

Strong numeracy skills

Excel proficiency

Organisational skills

Proactive communication

Education

Degree/HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying or related discipline

Tools

CEMAR

Causeway

SharePoint

Job description

Overview

Site‑Based: Staffordshire & Cambridge

Who is MJ Quinn

MJ Quinn is an established national organisation delivering projects across the UK and Ireland. We believe in creating great connections—with our customers, our people, and our world. As we grow, our values remain at the heart of everything we do.

About the Role

We are seeking an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to support the commercial management of solar PV and battery energy storage (BESS) projects. You will be site‑based across Staffordshire and Cambridge, working closely with the project QS and operational team to ensure accurate measurement, timely subcontract administration, robust change control, and compliant contract management under NEC3/NEC4.

This role is ideal for someone early in their commercial career who wants hands‑on experience in renewables, with structured mentoring and clear progression pathways.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Administration & Cost Control

• Assist with monthly cost reporting: support preparation of CVRs, P&Ls, cash‑flow and WIP updates.
• Maintain budget trackers, reconcile commitments vs. actuals, and flag variances and risks.
• Raise and track purchase orders, ensure accurate GRN/invoice matching, and chase approvals.

Measurement, Valuations & Payments

• Conduct site measures and progress validation against programme.
• Draft and verify applications for payment (client & supply chain) and interim valuations.
• Support agreement of final accounts and variation accounts with subcontractors.

Change Management (NEC3/NEC4)

• Log and track Early Warning Notices (EWNs) and Compensation Events (CEs).
• Compile supporting evidence (quantities, rates, programme impacts) and assist with quotations.
• Ensure timely submissions and auditable records in line with contract timescales.

Subcontract & Supply Chain

• Support subcontract procurement: scope collation, tender comparisons, award paperwork, onboarding.
• Maintain subcontractor files (insurances, RAMS, compliance) and manage payment certifications.
• Help develop local supply chains and drive value for money.

Reporting & Governance

• Produce concise dashboard reports on commercial KPIs (cost, cash, margins, change, risk).
• Maintain accurate document control in relevant systems (e.g., CEMAR, Causeway or equivalent).
• Assist with internal audits and ensure adherence to company commercial governance and NEC obligations.

Team Support & Stakeholder Communication

• Provide timely commercial updates to site and project management.
• Communicate in a professional, business‑like manner; help deliver challenging messages appropriately.
• Contribute to a collaborative, inclusive team culture and continuous improvement initiatives.

What You’ll Bring

• Qualifications: Degree/HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Experience: 0–3 years in a commercial role (placements, internships, or junior QS/AQS roles welcome).
• Contract Exposure: Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 processes (EWNs, CEs, payment mechanisms) is desirable; training provided.
• Sector: Experience in M&E or construction; healthcare projects exposure desirable.
• Technical Skills: Strong numeracy and Excel skills; comfortable with cost control tools and document management systems (e.g., CEMAR, Causeway, SharePoint).
• Behavioural: Organised, detail‑focused, proactive; able to prioritise key tasks, communicate clearly, and work diplomatically with diverse stakeholders.
• Compliance: Full UK driving licence (held for a minimum of 12 months), legal right to work in the UK, and DBS check prior to start.

What’s on Offer

• Exposure to innovative renewables projects (solar PV & BESS) with tangible grid impact.
• Mentoring from experienced QSs and structured development (NEC training, RICS support/mentorship).
• Clear progression pathway towards Quantity Surveyor level.
• Competitive package with benefits (insert salary band and benefits here).

Working Pattern

Site‑based across Staffordshire and Cambridge with travel between locations; occasional visits to other sites/offices as required.