Job Description

Head of QS & Estimation
Job Title: Head of Quantity Surveying & Estimation
Department: Commercial
Reports To: Commercial Director / Chief Operating Officer
Summary:
The Head of QS & Estimation leads the commercial heart of the business. This role is responsible for overseeing the entire tendering (estimation) process to secure new projects and managing the post-contract quantity surveying function to protect the company's financial interests and maximize profitability on live projects.
Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Lead, develop, and manage the QS and Estimation team. Set departmental goals and commercial strategies.
• Tender Management: Oversee the preparation of competitive and accurate cost estimates, bids, and tenders. Make final pricing recommendations.
• Commercial Strategy: Develop tender win strategies, including subcontractor selection, risk pricing, and value engineering proposals.
• Post-Contract Management: Ensure robust post-contract commercial management on all projects: cost reporting, valuation, variation management, and final account negotiation.
• Risk Management: Identify and quantify commercial risks in both tenders and live projects. Advise project teams on mitigation.
• Client & Subcontractor Relations: Manage high-level commercial negotiations with clients and major subcontractors/suppliers.
• Financial Reporting: Provide accurate commercial forecasts and reports to senior management. Ensure positive cash flow through payment applications.
• Process & Systems: Implement and maintain best-practice procedures, templates, and software for estimating and QS functions.

Qualifications & Skills:

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Professional membership (e.g., RICS, CIOB, AIQS) is highly desirable.
• Extensive experience in both estimation and post-contract QS roles, with a proven track record in a leadership capacity.
• Exceptional numerical, analytical, and negotiation skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• In-depth knowledge of construction contracts (e.g., FIDIC, NEC, JCT).
• Proficient in estimation and QS software (e.g., CostX, Candy, Conquest).

Skills Required