Trainee Quantity Surveyor - Graduate Programme (National)

Stepnell; Rugby; Hybrid; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A respected regional contractor is offering a Graduate Quantity Surveyor opportunity in Rugby as part of a 2-year graduate programme. This role aims to develop commercial skills while working on live projects, with a competitive salary of £31,000 and comprehensive training. Ideal candidates will have a Quantity Surveying degree and strong analytical skills. Join a supportive team and thrive in a company that values growth and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

25 days holiday plus bank holidays

Contributory pension scheme

Professional training access

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying is required.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills are essential.
• Effective communication skills for client and team interaction.

Responsibilities

• Liaise with clients to identify project requirements.
• Estimate costs and quantities for materials and labor.
• Prepare tender documentation and analyze subcontractor quotes.
• Manage budgets, costs, and payment applications.
• Produce regular commercial and financial reports.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Strong maths skills

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Effective communication

Teamwork

Problem-solving

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

Construction software

Financial management software

Job description

Are you ready to begin an exciting 2-year graduate programme in Quantity Surveying with a company that empowers you to learn, grow, and excel? Stepnell, a respected regional contractor delivering projects up to £30 million, is offering fantastic graduate opportunities for motivated individuals looking to start their journey in the construction and commercial management profession.

You’ll join supportive regional teams and work alongside experienced Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers, gaining hands‑on experience on live construction projects from day one. At Stepnell, we don’t just build projects – we build people

What You’ll Do

As a Graduate Quantity Surveyor, you’ll split your time between live construction sites and one of our regional offices, supporting the commercial and financial success of projects. You’ll gain experience in:

• Liaising with clients to identify project requirements
• Estimating quantities, costs, and timescales for labour and materials
• Preparing tender documentation and analysing subcontractor quotations
• Supporting procurement and assisting with subcontractor appointments
• Identifying, analysing, and evaluating commercial risks
• Measuring and valuing completed works
• Managing budgets, cost forecasts, and payment applications
• Producing regular commercial and financial reports
• Monitoring build progress and assessing contract impacts
• Supporting contract administration and ensuring compliance with industry standards
• Ensuring clients receive value for money throughout the project lifecycle

What You’ll Learn

• You’ll develop strong commercial and technical competencies, including:
• Core quantity surveying principles and cost management
• Procurement processes and contract administration
• Cost planning, estimating, and financial forecasting
• Managing subcontractor accounts and contractual obligations
• Risk analysis, value engineering, and budget control
• Construction legislation, building regulations, and industry standards
• Effective communication with clients, subcontractors, and project teams
• Use of specialist QS, financial management, and construction software

Who We’re Looking For

• We are seeking graduates with a degree in Quantity Surveying who are:
• Analytical thinkers with strong maths skills
• Detail‑focused, organised, and diligent
• Effective communicators and strong team players
• Confident problem‑solvers with good initiative
• Professional, respectful, and adaptable
• Interested in both office‑based commercial work and time spent on live sites
• Able to travel to sites (vehicle and full UK driving licence, or plan to obtain one)

Where You’ll Work:

You’ll work from one as part of our regional teams: Eastleigh (South Coast), Bristol (South West), Rugby (Warwickshire/Northamptonshire), or Nottingham (East Midlands), supporting projects throughout the regional patch.

Why Stepnell?

At Stepnell, you’ll work on real projects with genuine responsibility, gaining hands‑on experience that truly matters. You’ll learn from experienced professionals who are committed to mentoring and supporting your development, with clear career progression opportunities from placement to graduate and eventually into management roles. As a supportive team, we’re dedicated to helping you thrive.

You’ll receive a competitive salary of £31,000, 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays, a contributory pension scheme, and access to valuable professional training, including your CSCS card and Health & Safety certifications.

Training & Development

• Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) card
• Relevant Health & Safety Certificates
• Structured training programmes
• Graduate / Assistant Quantity Surveyor
• Quantity Surveyor
• Senior Quantity Surveyor
• Commercial Manager

What happens next?

• Initial Screening – up to 31st January 2026
  Applications will be reviewed by our Training Manager, who will shortlist candidates for the next stage.
• Telephone Interviews – December 2025 to February 2026
  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to a telephone interview with a member of our team.
• Face‑to‑Face Interviews – February to March 2026
  Candidates progressing from the telephone stage will be invited to attend in‑person interviews with our regional teams.

Timeline for a Response - due to the expected high volume of applications, updates on the outcome of the initial screening will be provided within 8 weeks.

Closing Date: 31 January 2026

Early applications are encouraged.

Stepnell is where your career in construction begins. Apply now to gain experience, skills, and a head start in your professional journey.

Why Stepnell

At Stepnell, we’re passionate about empowering our people to thrive. We believe in building fulfilling and rewarding careers by investing in talent, nurturing growth, and inspiring innovation. With the prestigious Investors in People Gold accreditation, we’re proud to place our people at the heart of everything we do. Every team member is valued, and curiosity and collaboration are central to our team culture. We’re committed to enabling our people to make a real impact and drive meaningful change throughout our business.

To show our appreciation, we offer generous and competitive benefits including, an enhanced pension scheme with a Stepnell contribution of 7% to help secure your financial future, annual leave that increases with service and the flexibility to purchase more, a market leading employee referral scheme, and for eligible roles comprehensive health coverage, adjustable start and finish times and a car allowance or company car.

Join us in a collaborative and inclusive environment where your well‑being is our priority, and your contributions are truly valued.

About Stepnell

As a family‑owned business with over 155 years of history, Stepnell is built on stability, trust, and long‑term thinking. We make decisions with the future in mind for our people, our clients, and our communities.

Our capabilities span construction, property development, energy solutions, joinery, and concrete repair, allowing us to offer integrated services that meet a wide range of client needs. Operating through seven regional offices in Rugby, Nottingham, Liverpool, Wantage, Bristol, Southampton, and Poolevand across three core business units, we maintain a strong local presence while delivering consistently high standards. Today, repeat clients account for 75% of our turnover a testament to our reliability and the quality of our relationships.