Overall Purpose of the Role:
Reporting to the Commercial Manager, the Senior Quantity Surveyor is a professionally qualified commercial specialist responsible for leading commercial management across a portfolio of multi-utility projects. This role requires formal academic qualification in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, and brings a higher level of contractual expertise, analytical rigour, and strategic commercial input. The Senior QS is expected to interpret and apply contract conditions at a more complex level, provide commercially sound advice to the business, and act as a technical reference point for the wider commercial team.
What you will be doing:
- Lead commercial management across an assigned portfolio of multi-utility projects, ensuring robust cost control, contract compliance, and financial delivery.
- Prepare and manage detailed cost estimates, budgets, CVRs, and financial reports; produce accurate weekly and monthly Project P&L with variance analysis and narrative commentary.
- Administer contracts under standard forms (NEC, JCT, bespoke), interpreting conditions, issuing notices, and managing the full variation and claims lifecycle through to final account.
- Identify and manage commercial risk and opportunity proactively; provide written risk assessments and recommended mitigation strategies to the Commercial Manager.
- Lead final account negotiations with customers and subcontractors, applying contractual entitlement and securing commercial outcomes in line with business targets.
- Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure commercial decisions are aligned with technical and programme requirements.
- Support design and estimating teams with detailed pricing input, contract strategy advice, and post-project cost analysis to inform future tenders.
- Conduct site visits to assess progress, validate valuations, and ensure contractual obligations are being met by all parties.
- Work closely with the operations team to review job performance against margin expectations, driving corrective action where required.
- Provide mentoring and structured commercial guidance to Lead and Assistant QSs, raising the commercial capability of the team.
- Contribute to the development and maintenance of commercial processes, templates, and best-practice guidance within the department.
- Build and manage senior-level client and contractor relationships, representing Aptus professionally in commercial negotiations and disputes.
What we ask from you:
- Relevant degree qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a closely related discipline.
- Professional membership or active working towards chartership with RICS, CIOB, or equivalent recognised body.
- Proven post-graduate experience as a Quantity Surveyor within the utility construction or contracting sector.
- Advanced knowledge of UK construction contract law (NEC, JCT, and bespoke forms), procurement procedures, and financial management.
- Ability to prepare, submit, and negotiate contractual claims and final accounts independently.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite with advanced Excel capability; experience of QS or commercial management software advantageous.
- Excellent negotiation, analytical, and written communication skills, including ability to produce formal commercial correspondence and contract notices.
- Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) or demonstrable progress on an assessed route to chartership (preferred).
- Experience across multiple utility disciplines (gas, electric, water, or multi-utility infrastructure).
- Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 contract administration at project manager or QS level (preferred).
- Experience in dispute resolution, adjudication support, or formal claims management (preferred).
- Involvement in commercial process improvement or departmental governance activities (preferred).
- A full UK Driving Licence
What we can offer in return:
- Benefits include cashback plans including eye-care, dental & prescriptions, to name just a few….. please click on our benefits brochure to view further details
- Gym, fitness and retail discounts
- Donate a Day – we will gift you an extra day off each year to do something for charity or within the community
- Mentoring and ongoing guidance, not only to settle you into your role, but throughout your career with Aptus
- We promote physical and mental health and provide additional support to our employees via our Employer Assistance Program all year round
Job Type- Office based role with occasional travel to other offices and sites.
Location – Unit 19-20, Barrs Fold Road, Wingates Industrial Estate, Bolton, BL5 3XP
Whats next?
Please send your CV and contact details to [email protected]
If you are shortlisted for this role, you will be contacted by a member of our People Team or Hiring Manager, who will usually arrange a short telephone interview before arranging a face-to-face interview.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- Company events
- Company pension
- Free flu jabs
- Free parking
- Gym membership
- Life insurance
- On-site parking
- Sick pay
- Store discount
Work Location: In person
