Senior cost manager/chartered quantity surveyor

Job Description

Role: Senior Cost Manager / Chartered Quantity Surveyor

Location: South Wales (Cardiff office - Hybrid)

Position: Full Time (Permanent) Monday - Friday

Salary: Circa £60,000

Our client is a leading development consultancy specialising in project and cost management consultancy operating across the built environment. With over 40 years of experience, they support the successful delivery of projects across England and Wales, providing expertise from initial planning and funding through to project completion.

Known for their strong presence in the healthcare and higher education sectors, they offer a range of services including cost management, project management, carbon modelling, and funding support. Their commitment to quality, client service, and successful project outcomes has established them as a trusted partner to both public and private sector organisations.

Role Overview

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious chartered surveyor to take a senior, client-facing role within an established and growing practice. The Senior Cost Manager / Chartered Quantity Surveyor is responsible for delivering professional quantity surveying and cost management services in accordance with the standards and guidance of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The role includes leadership responsibilities for Cost Managers and Trainee Cost Managers, supporting the growth and development of the practice, and maintaining the highest standards of professional service delivery.

Qualifications and Experience

Essential

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying
• Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS)
• Demonstrable experience in quantity surveying and cost management within a consultancy environment
• Experience managing multiple projects and mentoring junior team members
• Strong commercial awareness and client-facing skills
• Working knowledge of construction project delivery and design processes across the RIBA Plan of Work (Stages 07)
• Understanding of project management principles and practices aligned with APM (Association for Project Management) methodologies
• Competent in the administration and management of construction contracts, including:
  • JCT (Joint Contracts Tribunal) forms of contract
  • NEC (New Engineering Contract) forms of contract
• Ability to advise clients and project teams on contractual obligations, risk management, change control, and commercial matters throughout the project lifecycle
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to project sites and client offices as required

Desirable

• Experience of projects within the healthcare and/or higher education sectors
• An understanding of sustainability and carbon considerations within cost planning

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver comprehensive quantity surveying and cost management services in accordance with RICS standards across all project stages, including cost planning, estimating, tendering, valuations, reporting, and final accounts
• Monitor project costs, identify risks and opportunities, and provide effective cost control to support successful project outcomes
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and subcontractors to ensure efficient project delivery
• Support, mentor, and oversee Cost Managers and Trainee Cost Managers, reviewing work to ensure quality, consistency, and compliance with practice standards
• Contribute to the growth and continuous improvement of the practice through resource planning, implementation of best practices, and maintaining high standards of professionalism and service delivery

Skills and Competencies

Technical Skills

• Strong IT proficiency, particularly in Microsoft Office (advanced Excel), with experience using Sterling cost management software or equivalent and a commitment to ongoing training and development

Professional Skills

• Maintain RICS CPD requirements and deliver accurate, high-quality work within agreed timescales, demonstrating professionalism, attention to detail, and strong organisational skills
• Build and maintain effective relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, subcontractors, and colleagues, communicating professionally and collaborating effectively across teams
• Take a proactive approach to identifying issues, opportunities, and solutions while managing workloads efficiently and demonstrating initiative and accountability

Business Development

• Develop and maintain strong client relationships to support repeat business, identify new opportunities, and contribute to business development initiatives and the continued growth of the practice

Benefits

• The opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of built environment projects, including healthcare and higher education schemes, within a collaborative, senior-led practice
• Strong support for professional development and CPD, including payment of RICS and other relevant professional subscriptions and fees
• Clear career progression opportunities towards Associate and Director level within a growing business
• A flexible benefits package including hybrid working arrangements and private healthcare cover

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