Transmission
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Role Overview
Reporting to the Project Manager, the Senior Surveyor oversees all commercial and contractual matters for their assigned project, managing surveyors and assistant surveyors to ensure successful delivery. On larger or complex projects, they may manage specific sections, reporting to a Managing Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager.
1. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Ensure effective cost management through accurate forecasting and cost/value reporting.
Lead procurement to maximise profit and meet company policy (references, HSEQ compliance, etc.).
Monitor and maximise project cash flow.
Support, advise, and train the site team on commercial matters.
Mentor surveyors within the project team.
Understand contractual requirements, ensure compliance, and protect the company’s contractual position (main, sub, consultancy).
Promote professionalism and act in the company’s best commercial interests.
Monitor and pursue main contract payments.
2. TENDER
Review and assess main contract conditions, risks, and scopes.
Evaluate sub-contract packages for inclusion in tenders.
Identify value engineering opportunities.
Assist the bid team and senior management as required.
Provide tender input as needed.
3. PRE-CONSTRUCTION
Develop a Procurement Schedule with the Project Lead.
Review tender handover and fully understand project scope, risks, and allowances.
Establish the first profit and loss forecast.
4. CONSTRUCTION
Team Management
Clarify staff roles/responsibilities, maintain morale, and encourage teamwork.
Mentor junior staff and ensure effective communication.
Attend and follow up on internal meetings.
Subcontract Management
Procure subcontractors per commercial policy with clear, complete scopes.
Draft high-quality subcontracts covering quality, programme, HSEQ.
Accurately measure, value, and record subcontract works.
Issue contractual notices per sub-contract and LDEDC Act 2009.
Conduct timely subcontract appraisals and share findings.
Authorise payments based on verified, quality work.
Maintain accurate subcontract liabilities and accruals.
Record/recover contra-charges and monitor attendances.
Procurement
Produce subcontract and material procurement schedules with Project Lead.
Ensure procurement progress meets programme needs and maximises buying opportunities.
Align subcontract/procurement data with programme.
Ensure sub-letting and procurement comply with policy.
Provide feedback to the buying team to resolve gaps and issues.
Client
Understand and exceed client aspirations; maintain professional consultant relations.
Administer client instructions promptly per contract.
Agree valuation/report formats with PQS and advise the team on contractual requirements.
Protect company commercial interests while maintaining positive client relations.
Provide updated client cash flow and final account forecasts monthly.
Enforce “no instruction, no work” policy for variations.
Commercial
Maintain detailed records of site activities and ensure compliance with commercial policy.
Produce monthly valuations and commercial reports on time.
Ensure accurate cost-to-date and forecast analysis.
Authorise subcontract payments accurately and timely.
Maximise revenue, manage risks/scopes, and minimise waste.
Lead contractual planning strategy and ensure programme understanding.
Manage commercial aspects of programme issues and team awareness.
Maintain and complete warranty, PCG, and bond tracking schedules.
Consultants (Traditional & D&B)
Ensure consultants meet quality, timing, and contractual responsibilities.
Issue notices where defaults occur and ensure compliance procedures.
Procure consultants per policy and agreements, ensuring alignment with commercial interests.
Attend design team meetings, provide feedback, and flag cost/time impacts.
Health, Safety, Environment & Quality
Support HSEQ compliance and act on any infringements.
Ensure subcontractors meet HSEQ contractual obligations.
Reinforce that all staff share H&S responsibility.
Workspace/Asite
Administer workspace systems per company policy.
5. POST-CONSTRUCTION
Complete and action post-contract review.
Resolve main contract and subcontracts promptly, with signed final accounts.
Archive per commercial policy.
Ensure subcontractors complete defects promptly post-PC, issuing notices for defaults.
Apply for and chase retention payments.
Remain responsible until the making-good defects certificate is issued.
6. OTHER DUTIES
Identify and act on business development opportunities.
Support and enhance the site team’s commercial awareness.
Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion across all operations.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
Accredited course via RICS, CIOB, or ICES, or a relevant degree (e.g., construction, civil/structural engineering, urban/land studies).
Proven experience as Senior QS/QS.
Desirable
Degree in Quantity Surveying with relevant experience.
