Lead Quantity Surveyor
£50,000 - £70,000
Newhouse - North Lanarkshire
The Lead Quantity Surveyor will take commercial responsibility for reactive property maintenance contracts within the social housing sector. The role ensures effective cost control, contract compliance, value for money, and commercial performance across a high-volume, fast-paced reactive repairs environment. You will lead a team of Quantity Surveyors and work closely with operational, finance, and client stakeholders.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial Management
Lead the commercial management of reactive maintenance contracts, ensuring profitability, compliance, and value for money
Prepare, review, and manage budgets, forecasts, and cost/value reconciliations
Oversee interim valuations, final accounts, and variations in line with contract requirements
Ensure accurate measurement and valuation of reactive works, including schedule of rates (SOR) contracts
Contracts & Procurement
Manage contracts under forms such as JCT, NEC, or bespoke social housing frameworks
Oversee subcontractor procurement, negotiation, appointment, and performance
Ensure subcontractor payments, valuations, and final accounts are accurately assessed and agreed
Team Leadership
Line manage and mentor Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Quantity Surveyors
Set objectives, review performance, and support professional development
Ensure consistent commercial processes and best practice across the team
Client & Stakeholder Management
Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients, housing associations, and local authorities
Build strong working relationships with operational teams to support service delivery
Support client reporting, KPIs, and commercial governance meetings
Risk & Compliance
Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks
Ensure compliance with internal controls, audit requirements, and regulatory standards
Support dispute resolution and commercial negotiations where required
Skills & ExperienceEssential
Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor within social housing
Strong background in reactive property maintenance / repairs
Experience managing SOR-based contracts (e.g. NHF, Schedule of Rates)
Demonstrable experience leading or mentoring a commercial team
Strong commercial acumen and cost control skills
Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills
Desirable
MRICS or working towards professional qualification
Experience working with housing associations or local authorities
Knowledge of NEC or JCT forms of contract in maintenance environments
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline
Personal Attributes
Proactive and solutions-focused
Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-volume environment
Strong attention to detail with the ability to see the wider commercial picture
Collaborative leader with a hands-on approach