Assistant Quantity Surveyor in Swillington Common

Assistant Quantity Surveyor – Retail Construction
Location: Leeds (office-based)
Salary: Negotionable
Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Optio Resourcing is working with a well-established retail construction contractor to recruit an Assistant Quantity Surveyor for their Leeds office. Retail construction experience is essential for this role.

About the Business
Our client delivers end-to-end retail construction and refurbishment projects, from design through to final build. They are unusual in the market because they keep management and specialist trades in-house, including M&E and refrigeration. That gives them tighter control over programme, cost and quality. They run from three UK offices and have a clear focus on making retail construction more sustainable and cost-effective. You'll be joining a growing team that backs people's development and supports women in construction.

The Role
You'll support the commercial team across a portfolio of live retail projects, including new store builds, refits and refurbishments. Your duties will include:

• Preparing cost plans, estimates and bills of quantities for retail schemes
• Measuring works and helping with valuations and interim payment applications
• Tracking variations, cost reports and final accounts
• Procuring and managing subcontractor packages and orders
• Attending site visits to measure and check progress, often in live trading environments
• Working closely with Project Managers, Site Managers and the wider commercial team

About You

• Previous experience in retail construction, fit-out or refurbishment. This is essential.
• A QS or commercial background with a main contractor or specialist retail contractor
• Understanding of retail programmes, fast-track delivery and working in live stores
• A degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline. Graduates with retail placement or industry experience will be considered.
• Strong numerical skills, good attention to detail and confident with Excel. CostX or similar software is an advantage.
• A full UK driving licence is preferred.

What's on Offer

• Clear progression and support towards MRICS or MCIOB
• Varied, fast-paced retail projects nationwide
• The backing of an established contractor with in-house expertise across every discipline