Job Specification
Quantity Surveyor – Water Industry
Role Purpose
We are seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor with a strong background in the water industry to support both pre-construction and live project commercial management.
This role will work closely with the Estimator to price and build tenders, develop project programmes, and produce structured material buy sheets. The successful candidate will also play a key role in our transition from bespoke databases and spreadsheet-based estimating systems to Microsoft Business Central.
Due to the limited detail often contained within water industry design specifications, significant sector experience and commercial judgement are essential to build accurate, risk-aware pricing and protect margin.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Construction & Tender Support
Support the Estimator in preparing competitive and commercially robust tenders
Interpret performance-based and low-detail design specifications
Assist in building detailed cost breakdown structures
Identify commercial risks, assumptions, and exclusions
Contribute to value engineering and pricing strategy discussions
Align cost build-ups with proposed project programmes
Commercial Management
Manage project costs from award through to final account
Monitor performance against budget and programme
Produce cost value reconciliations (CVRs)
Manage subcontract procurement and account settlement
Administer contracts in line with NEC (or applicable form of contract)
Manage variations, compensation events, and change control
Programme & Material Planning
Assist in building tender and delivery programmes
Develop material take-offs and structured buy sheets
Align procurement schedules with programme phasing
Support supply chain engagement and procurement strategy
Systems & Process Development
Support the migration of commercial and estimating data into Microsoft Business Centra
* Assist in establishing:
* Cost codes
* Cost breakdown structures (CBS/WBS)
* Material and resource libraries
* Ensure alignment between estimate, procurement, live cost tracking, and reporting
* Help embed consistent commercial processes within the new ERP system
Risk & Margin Protection
Apply industry experience to identify construction and operational risks
Ensure appropriate allowances are incorporated into pricing
Support commercial reviews and margin analysis
Contribute to improving estimating and cost capture accuracy over time
Essential Experience
Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within the water industry
Experience pricing and managing projects with limited design detail
Strong understanding of civils and/or MEICA elements of water infrastructure projects
Experience administering NEC contracts
Strong commercial and contractual awareness
Desirable Experience
Experience supporting both pre-construction and live delivery phases
Exposure to ERP systems (ideally Microsoft Business Central or similar)
Experience transitioning from spreadsheet-based systems to structured commercial platforms
Programme-building experience (Primavera, MS Project or similar)
Key Competencies
Strong commercial judgement
Ability to interpret incomplete specifications and identify risk
Structured and analytical mindset
High attention to detail
Strong Excel capability
Ability to work collaboratively with estimating, operations, and procurement teams
Professional discretion and confidentiality
Critical Success Factors
The successful candidate will:
Strengthen pricing accuracy and commercial control
Improve risk identification and margin protection
Support a smooth transition to Microsoft Business Central
Enhance integration between estimating, procurement, and live cost reporting
Contribute to improved financial visibility and project performance