Quantity Surveyor / Senior QS
Job Type: Freelance (18 months) with potential of a permanent position after that
Day Rate: £300–£350 per day (experience‑dependent)
Location: Cardiff – site based, 5 days per week
Position Summary
We are seeking an experienced Quantity Surveyor to join our team on a freelance basis for an initial 18‑month period, with the opportunity to transition into a permanent role depending on performance and business needs.
Our organisation delivers the design, specification, and commercial management of mechanical and electrical (M&E) services across a range of commercial, industrial, government, and healthcare projects. With a strong track record for technical excellence and dependable delivery, we require a commercially strong QS to support the financial, contractual, and procurement functions for our site‑based operations in Cardiff.
This role is ideal for a QS with substantial experience within M&E contracting or building services who thrives in a site‑focused environment and understands the unique commercial demands of M&E packages.
Key Responsibilities
Cost & Value Management
* Prepare budgets, cost plans, bills of quantities, and valuations for M&E works.
* Monitor project expenditure and maintain accurate commercial tracking.
* Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation.
* Support monthly commercial reporting and cashflow projections.
Contract Administration & Procurement
* Prepare, negotiate, and manage subcontractor and supplier contracts.
* Run tender processes for M&E subcontract packages and carry out detailed comparisons.
* Oversee procurement and ensure compliance with project specifications.
* Assess and process variations, compensation events, and contractual notices.
Risk & Change Management
* Identify commercial risks within M&E projects and assist with mitigation plans.
* Prepare, negotiate, and agree change requests or claims.
* Provide proactive commercial advice to support site decision‑making.
Reporting & Documentation
* Produce accurate and detailed financial reports, forecasts, and progress updates.
* Maintain comprehensive records of labour, materials, subcontract payments, and costs.
* Assist with preparation of final accounts and project close‑out documentation.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
* Attend site meetings and represent the commercial function effectively.
* Work closely with clients, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
* Resolve commercial issues promptly and professionally.
Personal Qualities & Requirements
* Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Engineering, or equivalent.
* Strong track record as a Quantity Surveyor within M&E contracting or building services.
* Excellent commercial awareness, analytical ability, and attention to detail.
* Effective negotiator with strong communication and interpersonal skills.
* Competent user of relevant cost management and project software.
* Good working knowledge of construction contracts including JCT and/or NEC.
* Strong understanding of M&E installations within commercial build environments.
Our Culture
We pride ourselves on a supportive, collaborative, and professional culture built on:
Collaboration & Teamwork - A positive, integrated working style across engineering, commercial, and site delivery teams.
Professional Growth - Opportunities to develop skills, gain exposure to diverse projects, and progress within the business.
Technical Excellence - Commitment to delivering high‑quality, technically robust M&E solutions.
Integrity & Accountability - We value honesty, transparency, and delivering on promises made internally and to clients.
Positive Working Environment - A friendly, respectful workplace where people feel appreciated and heard.
Working Pattern
* Site based in Cardiff – 5 days per week
* Freelance for first 18 months
* Potential permanent role thereafter
* Working hours aligned with typical site operations