Quantity Surveyor Local Authority - Hands

Quantity Surveyor

• Hourly Rate: £35-£40
• Location:
  
  Manchester, M60
• Job Type: Temporary (6 Months Initial)
• Working Pattern:
  Hybrid (3 days office / 2 days home)

We are seeking a Quantity Surveyor to support peaks in workload relating to the Annual Capital Programme of Works for Manchester City Council's housing stock. This role involves major schemes across approximately 13,000 properties, providing full commercial oversight of planned improvement programmes. The Quantity Surveyor will deliver cost control, contract management, and financial reporting to ensure value for money and successful project delivery.

Day-to-day of the role:

Commercial & Cost Management

• Prepare feasibility studies, detailed cost plans, and procurement reports.
• Lead estimating, cost planning, lifecycle costing, and value engineering activities.
• Manage tender processes including pre-qualification, tender documentation, analysis, and contractor selection.
• Oversee post-contract cost management including valuations, variations, cost checks, and change control.
• Produce high-quality monthly financial reports and cost updates.
• Negotiate and agree on final accounts.

Project Delivery

• Work closely with Design & Delivery colleagues to ensure projects meet cost, quality, and programme targets.
• Conduct on-site financial checks and attend progress meetings.
• Ensure project risks, commercial issues, and delays are effectively monitored and managed.
• Support development and implementation of consistent commercial standards across projects.

Stakeholder & Contractor Management

• Build and maintain strong working relationships with contractors, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
• Monitor contractor performance against KPIs, taking corrective action where required.
• Contribute to continuous service improvement and ensure best practice in commercial delivery.

Compliance & Governance

• Maintain compliance with council procedures, standing orders, and procurement regulations.
• Ensure accurate and timely financial management information is produced.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion within the service.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Commercial experience in a construction project environment.
• Strong understanding of construction cost management and procurement processes.
• Experience of JCT, PSPC, NEC, or equivalent contract forms.
• Strong analytical, numerical, and financial reporting skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder-management skills.
• Ability to plan, organise, and prioritise workload independently.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel (mileage allowance available).

Desirable

• Relevant qualification (HNC/HND/BSc/MSc) in Quantity Surveying or similar discipline.
• Working towards or holding membership of a professional body (MRICS, MCIOB).
• Experience working within a social housing or public-sector environment.

Additional Information

• The role is initially based at Manchester Town Hall Extension but may move to a North Manchester satellite office or a contractor's site office.
• The role requires regular travel to sites across Manchester.
• The initial contract term is 6 months, with potential extension subject to funding and business need.