Quantity Surveyor

Overview

Quantity Surveyor / Senior QS

Job Type: Freelance (18 months) with potential of a permanent position after that

Day Rate: £300-£350 per day (experience‑dependent)

Location:

Cardiff - site based, 5 days per week

We are seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor to join our team on a freelance basis for an initial 18‑month period, with the opportunity to transition into a permanent role depending on performance and business needs.

Our organisation delivers the design, specification, and commercial management of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services across a range of commercial, industrial, government, and healthcare projects. With a strong track record for technical excellence and dependable delivery, we require a commercially strong QS to support the financial, contractual, and procurement functions for our site‑based operations in Cardiff.

This role is ideal for a QS with substantial experience within M&E contracting or building services who thrives in a site‑focused environment and understands the unique commercial demands of M&E packages.

• Cost & Value Management
  • Prepare budgets, cost plans, bills of quantities, and valuations for M&E works.
  • Monitor project expenditure and maintain accurate commercial tracking.
  • Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation.
  • Support monthly commercial reporting and cashflow projections.
• Contract Administration & Procurement
  • Prepare, negotiate, and manage subcontractor and supplier contracts.
  • Run tender processes for M&E subcontract packages and carry out detailed comparisons.
  • Oversee procurement and ensure compliance with project specifications.
  • Assess and process variations, compensation events, and contractual notices.
• Risk & Change Management
  • Identify commercial risks within M&E projects and assist with mitigation plans.
  • Prepare, negotiate, and agree change requests or claims.
  • Provide proactive commercial advice to support site decision‑making.
• Reporting & Documentation
  • Produce accurate and detailed financial reports, forecasts, and progress updates.
  • Maintain comprehensive records of labour, materials, subcontract payments, and costs.
  • Assist with preparation of final accounts and project close‑out documentation.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement
  • Attend site meetings and represent the commercial function effectively.
  • Work closely with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
  • Resolve commercial issues promptly and professionally.

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent.
• Strong track record as a Quantity Surveyor within M&E contracting or building services.
• Excellent commercial awareness, analytical ability, and attention to detail.
• Effective negotiator with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Competent user of relevant cost management and project software.
• Good working knowledge of construction contracts including JCT and/or NEC.
• Strong understanding of M&E installations within commercial build environments.

We pride ourselves on a supportive, collaborative, and professional culture built on:

• Collaboration & Teamwork — A positive, integrated working style across engineering, commercial, and site delivery teams.
• Professional Growth — Opportunities to develop skills, gain exposure to diverse projects, and progress within the business.
• Technical Excellence — Commitment to delivering high‑quality, technically robust M&E solutions.
• Integrity & Accountability — We value honesty, transparency, and delivering on promises made internally and to clients.
• Positive Working Environment — A friendly, respectful workplace where people feel appreciated and heard.

• Site based in Cardiff - 5 days per week
• Freelance for first 18 months
• Potential permanent role thereafter
• Working hours aligned with typical site operations