Construction

Quantity Surveyor job description

A Quantity Surveyor manages construction cost control using RICS standards, preparing detailed BOQs and valuations to ensure projects stay within budget.

Published January 21, 2024Updated May 9, 20261272 likes

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Job brief

We are seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor to join our construction consultancy team and take ownership of cost management across our diverse portfolio of commercial and residential projects valued up to £50M. In this role, you will prepare accurate cost estimates, manage tender processes, and provide commercial advice to clients while ensuring compliance with RICS standards and industry best practices. You will work closely with architects, engineers, contractors, and project managers to deliver projects on time and within budget. If you have a passion for construction economics and thrive in a collaborative environment that values professional development, this position offers excellent growth opportunities.

Key highlights

Prepare comprehensive bills of quantities (BOQs) and cost estimates using CostX, Buildsoft, or similar measurement software from architectural and engineering drawings
Conduct monthly interim valuations and final account settlements ensuring compliance with JCT, FIDIC, or NEC contract conditions
Manage tender processes including pre-qualification of contractors, tender analysis, and preparation of tender reports with commercial recommendations
Perform value engineering studies to optimize project costs while maintaining design intent and quality standards

What is a Quantity Surveyor?

A Quantity Surveyor is a construction cost management professional who specializes in estimating, controlling, and monitoring project expenses throughout the entire construction lifecycle. Working with industry-standard software such as CostX, Buildsoft, or WinQS, Quantity Surveyors prepare bills of quantities (BOQs), conduct feasibility studies, and manage contractual variations using RICS measurement standards and JCT or FIDIC contract forms. Their expertise in cost planning, value engineering, and commercial risk assessment is essential for maintaining project profitability and ensuring accurate financial reporting across residential, commercial, and infrastructure developments.

What does a Quantity Surveyor do?

A Quantity Surveyor prepares detailed cost estimates and bills of quantities from architectural drawings and specifications, conducts monthly valuations for interim payments, and negotiates variations with contractors and subcontractors. They analyze tender documents, perform value engineering studies to optimize project costs, and prepare final accounts using measurement software like Dimension or CostX. Throughout project execution, they monitor expenditure against budgets, assess claims for additional works, and prepare cost reports for clients, project managers, and finance teams using RICS New Rules of Measurement (NRM) standards.

Key responsibilities

Prepare comprehensive bills of quantities (BOQs) and cost estimates using CostX, Buildsoft, or similar measurement software from architectural and engineering drawings
Conduct monthly interim valuations and final account settlements ensuring compliance with JCT, FIDIC, or NEC contract conditions
Manage tender processes including pre-qualification of contractors, tender analysis, and preparation of tender reports with commercial recommendations
Perform value engineering studies to optimize project costs while maintaining design intent and quality standards
Negotiate variations, claims, and contract disputes with contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers to protect client interests
Prepare detailed cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and risk assessments using RICS NRM2 measurement standards for project stakeholders
Conduct feasibility studies and life-cycle cost analysis for development projects to support investment decision-making
Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and provide early warning systems for potential cost overruns or savings opportunities

Requirements and skills

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or Building Surveying with RICS accreditation preferred
Proficiency in quantity surveying software including CostX, Buildsoft, WinQS, or Dimension for measurement and cost modeling
Thorough knowledge of RICS measurement standards (NRM1, NRM2, NRM3) and major contract forms such as JCT, FIDIC, or NEC
3+ years of experience in cost management across commercial, residential, or infrastructure construction projects
Strong analytical skills for interpreting architectural drawings, specifications, and technical documents to produce accurate quantities
Experience with procurement strategies, tender evaluation, and contract administration throughout project lifecycles
Professional membership with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or working toward chartered status
Ability to communicate complex cost information clearly to clients, contractors, and multidisciplinary project teams

FAQs

What does a Quantity Surveyor do on construction projects?

A Quantity Surveyor manages all cost-related aspects of construction projects from initial feasibility through to final account settlement. They prepare detailed bills of quantities from architectural drawings, conduct cost estimates using specialized software like CostX or Buildsoft, and monitor project expenditure against approved budgets. Throughout the project lifecycle, Quantity Surveyors perform monthly valuations, negotiate contract variations with contractors, and ensure compliance with RICS measurement standards and contract conditions such as JCT or FIDIC. Their work is crucial for maintaining project profitability and providing accurate cost reporting to clients and stakeholders.

What qualifications do you need to become a Quantity Surveyor?

To become a Quantity Surveyor, you typically need a bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, Building Surveying, or a related field accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). Professional membership with RICS through their Assessment of Professional Competence (APC) pathway is highly valued by employers and often required for senior positions. Additionally, proficiency in industry-standard software such as CostX, Buildsoft, or WinQS is essential, along with thorough knowledge of measurement standards like NRM (New Rules of Measurement) and major contract forms including JCT, FIDIC, or NEC.

Who does a Quantity Surveyor work with in construction projects?

A Quantity Surveyor collaborates with a diverse range of construction professionals throughout project delivery. They work closely with architects and engineers during design development to provide cost advice and prepare estimates, with project managers to monitor budgets and schedules, and with contractors and subcontractors during tender processes and contract administration. They also liaise regularly with clients and developers to provide commercial advice, procurement teams for supplier negotiations, and legal advisors when handling contract disputes or variations. This collaborative approach ensures accurate cost control and successful project outcomes.

What is the average salary for a Quantity Surveyor?

Quantity Surveyor salaries vary significantly based on experience, location, and project complexity. Entry-level positions typically range from £25,000-£35,000 annually, while experienced Quantity Surveyors with 5-10 years of experience can earn £40,000-£65,000. Senior Quantity Surveyors and those with chartered RICS status often command salaries of £65,000-£85,000 or more, particularly in London and major cities. The role offers excellent career progression opportunities, with many Quantity Surveyors advancing to commercial management, project management, or establishing their own consultancy practices, where earning potential can exceed £100,000 annually.