Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Northumbrian Water Framework – Water Metering
Location: Brentwood, Essex (with site travel as required)
Salary: £27,000 - £32,000 per annum
Position Type: Permanent, Full-Time (Monday to Friday, 08:00–17:00)
Role Overview
The Assistant Quantity Surveyor will support the Quantity Surveyor and wider project teams in managing the financial and commercial aspects of a water metering framework contract with Northumbrian Water. The role involves assisting with cost planning, procurement, contract administration, and cost control across a high-volume programme of works, ensuring delivery in line with framework agreements, schedules of rates, and commercial objectives.
Working closely with operational delivery teams, planning, compliance, and accounts, as well as supply chain partners and client representatives, the successful candidate will contribute to the commercial management of works from mobilisation through to final account. The role offers opportunities to grow within the commercial team and explore future career progression within the department, including consideration of further education, training, and professional development.
Key Responsibilities
Cost Management, CVR & Forecasting
Assist in preparing cost estimates, budgets, and cost plans.
Retrieve, analyse, and maintain cost data to support Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs).
Monitor project costs against budgets and agreed rates.
Assist with cost forecasting and financial reporting.
Procurement & Subcontract Management
Support procurement activities, including obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations.
Assess interim subcontractor accounts and assist with the issue of payment notices in line with contractual requirements.
Review and assess subcontract accounts ensuring accuracy and compliance with agreed scope and rates.
Review and assist with the timely preparation and issue of instructions to subcontractors.
Applications for Payment & Valuations
Assist in preparing and assessing applications for payment, including checking and verifying completed jobs.
Prepare interim and final valuations in accordance with the contract and framework requirements.
Commercial Administration & Compliance
Collate and maintain information to support payroll on a weekly basis.
Liaise with Compliance teams to resolve discrepancies relating to completed works and commercial records.
Maintain accurate records of costs, variations, contracts, and correspondence.
Support change control processes, variations, claims management, and dispute resolution where required.
Site & Stakeholder Liaison
When required, attend site visits to assess progress of works.
Allocate and assign task items across relevant workstreams in line with programme and commercial requirements.
Liaise with operational teams, subcontractors, suppliers, and client representatives on commercial matters.
Highly organised and detail-oriented, with a strong focus on accuracy.
Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to interpret cost and financial data.
Effective communicator with a professional and positive approach.
Proactive and adaptable, with a solutions-focused mindset.
Able to manage multiple tasks and deadlines effectively.
Comfortable working independently and collaboratively within a team.
Professional when representing the business with clients and supply chain partners.
Personal Attributes
Essential Requirements
Full UK driving licence.
2 – 3 years experience in an Assistant Quantity Surveyor or similar commercial role.
Knowledge of construction contracts, particularly NEC (JCT knowledge also beneficial).
Intermediate to advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
Strong numerical, analytical, and organisational abilities.
Key Relationships
Reporting to: Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager
Working closely with: Contracts Manager, Project Manager, Compliance Teams, and Accounts Team