Senior Quantity Surveyor / Quantity Surveyor

Estimator & Quantity Surveyor Opportunities – Civil Engineering (Water Sector)
Locations: Thames Valley (Reading), St Albans, North/West London
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time (40–42.5 hours/week)
Salary: £45,000 – £75,000 (depending on role and experience)
Start Dates: From July 2024 onwards

We are recruiting for experienced Estimators and Quantity Surveyors to join a leading civil engineering contractor working on key infrastructure frameworks across the UK water sector. These roles offer the chance to contribute to high-profile, technically challenging projects that include pipelines, tunnelling, MEICA, and general civils within a long-established, directly delivering Tier 1 contractor.

Estimator Role Overview

As part of a well-established estimating team, the Estimator will play a pivotal role in securing work across a range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects. The position will suit a commercially astute and technically knowledgeable professional capable of preparing accurate and competitive cost submissions.

Key Responsibilities:

• Interpret client tender documentation (PQQs, ITTs) and prepare detailed estimates

• Take off quantities and review BoQs

• Develop risk registers and pricing assumptions

• Collaborate with bid managers, planners, procurement, and business development

• Present submissions and commercial strategies during adjudication meetings

• Support smooth handovers to delivery teams post-award

Required Experience:

• 5–10 years' estimating or operational experience in civil engineering sectors such as shafts, tunnelling, pipelines, rail civils, MEICA, or groundworks

• Strong understanding of construction methodologies and pricing

• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office

• Organised, collaborative, and commercially focused approach

Quantity Surveyor / Senior Quantity Surveyor Role Overview

The Quantity Surveyor will provide full commercial management and reporting support across projects, ensuring cost controls, subcontractor management, and contractual compliance. You'll work closely with both internal teams and external stakeholders, including clients and the supply chain.

Key Responsibilities:

• Produce monthly cost and value reports, forecasts, and commercial plans

• Manage subcontract procurement, valuation, change control, and payments

• Prepare upstream applications for payment and final accounts

• Liaise with clients on variations, claims, and commercial negotiations

• Support site teams in achieving commercial targets and controlling costs

• Promote continuous improvement across commercial processes

Required Experience:

• Minimum 2 years' experience in a QS role, ideally within the water/utilities sector

• Degree or HND in Quantity Surveying or equivalent (or extensive relevant experience)

• Strong knowledge of NEC and/or IChemE contracts and Construction Law

• Proficiency in cost management tools, earned value analysis, and Microsoft Office

• Excellent communication, analytical, and negotiation skills

Desirable Qualifications and Experience:

• Membership of RICS or equivalent (or working towards)

• Previous experience on major water frameworks (e.g. Thames Water, Southern Water)

• CSCS card

• Experience working with Tier 1 civil engineering contractors

Benefits:

• Competitive salary based on experience and role

• Company pension contribution (5%)

• Life assurance (2x salary)

• Private medical insurance

• Company profit share scheme

• Car allowance or company vehicle (depending on role)

• 25 days holiday plus additional loyalty days

• Volunteering opportunities and wellbeing initiatives

• Structured career development and training support