I am seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor / Commercial head to lead my clients commercial function across a portfolio of façade construction and façade remediation projects.
This role is ideally suited to candidates with a main contractor background who have previously managed large-scale façade packages, including cladding, glazing, curtain walling, and external wall system works.
The SQS / Commercial lead will take full commercial responsibility for project delivery, ensuring robust financial management, accurate forecasting, contract compliance, and successful subcontractor administration across multiple live schemes.
Duties / Responsibilities
• Commercial Leadership
• Lead the commercial management of façade projects from pre-contract through final account.
• Oversee project cost planning, value engineering, and procurement strategy.
• Manage multiple commercial teams or QS staff, providing mentorship, allocation of duties, and performance oversight.
• Cost & Financial Management
• Prepare and maintain detailed cost plans, budgets, and cost-to-complete forecasts.
• Produce monthly CVRs, cashflows, and commercial reports for senior management.
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities, and mitigation strategies throughout the project lifecycle.
• Contract & Claims Management
• Administer NEC, JCT or other relevant contract forms for both main contract and subcontract agreements.
• Prepare, submit, and agree applications for payment and variations.
• Lead negotiation of subcontract accounts, claims, extensions of time, and loss & expense submissions.
• Ensure compliance with building safety regulations and supporting documentation required on façade schemes.
• Subcontract Procurement & Management
• Lead procurement of specialist façade subcontractors, including tender packages, evaluations, and recommendations.
• Manage subcontract performance, variations, notices, and commercial correspondence.
• Build strong relationships with façade supply chain partners while maintaining commercial control.
• Stakeholder Engagement
• Serve as the primary commercial point of contact for clients, consultants, and main contractor stakeholders.
• Attend progress meetings, commercial reviews, and senior leadership forums.
• Work closely with project delivery teams to drive programme, quality, and cost alignment.
About You:
• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or equivalent.
• Professional membership (RICS) advantageous but not essential.
• Significant commercial experience within construction sector, ideally from a main contractor environment.
• Relevant façade, cladding, or building envelope training or certifications beneficial.
• Proven track record managing large façade packages (e.g., cladding, curtain walling, glazing, rainscreen, SFS).
• Strong understanding of façade-specific risk profiles, testing regimes, design development, and regulatory compliance (including building safety legislation).
• Detailed knowledge of NEC or JCT contracts and the commercial aspects of façade subcontract administration.
Experience:
• Facade QS : 5 years (preferred)
• Senior QS : 4 years (preferred)
• Commercial lead : 4 years (preferred)