Senior Quantity Surveyor in Inverness, Highland

Our client has an exciting opportunity for a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join and head up their commerial deparment. The role could suit an experience SQS or someone looking to take the next step in their career. 

Role Purpose

The Senior Quantity Surveyor is responsible for the effective commercial and contractual management of projects, ensuring robust cost control, accurate forecasting and strong commercial performance throughout the project lifecycle.

The role works closely with operational and project teams to ensure commercial risks and opportunities are identified and managed effectively, contracts are administered appropriately, and projects are delivered in line with agreed commercial objectives.

The Senior Quantity Surveyor will provide commercial guidance to the wider project team and support the development of Quantity Surveyors and junior commercial colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Management

Take commercial responsibility for assigned projects from contract award through to final account.

Monitor project financial performance, ensuring costs, revenue and margin are understood and effectively managed.

Prepare and maintain project budgets, forecasts and cost-value reconciliations.

Provide accurate and timely commercial reporting to project and senior management.

Identify commercial risks and opportunities and ensure appropriate actions are taken.

Support project teams in achieving agreed commercial and financial objectives.

Contract Management

Review and understand contractual obligations, commercial terms and project-specific requirements.

Administer contracts in accordance with agreed terms and conditions.

Ensure contractual notices, variations, change events and claims are identified and managed appropriately.

Maintain accurate commercial and contractual records.

Support the resolution of contractual and commercial issues and disputes.

Ensure the business's contractual position is appropriately protected.

Procurement & Subcontract Management

Support and lead subcontractor procurement, including tender preparation, evaluation and commercial negotiation.

Ensure subcontract packages are commercially appropriate and aligned to project requirements.

Assess subcontractor applications, variations and final accounts.

Monitor subcontractor performance from a commercial perspective.

Develop effective working relationships with suppliers and subcontractors.

Valuations & Final Accounts

Prepare and submit interim valuations and applications for payment.

Ensure variations and additional works are accurately valued and recovered.

Manage the agreement of final accounts with clients and subcontractors.

Monitor cash flow and support effective working-capital management.

Project & Stakeholder Support

Work closely with Project Managers, Contracts Managers, Finance and other operational teams.

Provide clear commercial advice to support project decision-making.

Develop strong relationships with clients, subcontractors and key stakeholders.

Participate in project reviews and provide clear information on commercial performance, risks and opportunities.

Leadership & Development

Provide guidance and support to Quantity Surveyors, Assistant Quantity Surveyors and other junior commercial team members.

Support the development of consistent commercial practices across projects.

Share knowledge and lessons learned across the wider team.

Promote accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

Experience administering and managing NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including compensation events, early warnings, change control and programme-related commercial matters.

Strong knowledge of cost management, forecasting, budgeting and commercial reporting.

Strong working knowledge of JCT, SBCC, FIDIC and other standard forms of construction contract.

Demonstrable experience of contract administration, variations, claims and change management.

Experience in subcontractor procurement, commercial negotiation and subcontract management.

Experience preparing valuations, cost-value reconciliations and final accounts.

Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage financial and contractual risk.

Strong numerical and analytical capability with excellent attention to detail.

Confident using relevant commercial and financial systems and Microsoft Excel.

Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline desirable.

Competencies

Commercially astute, with strong judgement and a clear understanding of the commercial drivers of project performance.

Accountable and delivery focused, taking ownership of commercial outcomes and following issues through to resolution.

Strong communicator, able to explain complex commercial and contractual matters clearly and practically.

Confident negotiator, able to protect the interests of the business while maintaining constructive commercial relationships.

Analytical and detail focused, with the ability to interpret financial and project information and identify emerging issues.

Collaborative, working effectively across commercial, operational, project and finance teams.

Proactive and solutions focused, identifying risks early and developing practical solutions.

Credible and influential, able to challenge constructively and provide sound commercial advice to project and senior management.

Resilient and adaptable, able to manage competing priorities and work effectively within a fast-moving project environment.

Supportive leader, sharing knowledge, developing others and contributing to a strong commercial team.