Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Purpose of the Role
We are seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to support the Project Director In this role, you will lead a small QS team, manage budgets and contracts, ensure compliance with company standards, and provide accurate commercial reporting to secure value and cost recovery.
Main Responsibilities
As Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will lead and mentor Quantity Surveyors, driving commercial excellence across the project. You will manage budgets, forecasting, cash flow, and profitability, while overseeing contract and subcontract administration from procurement through to final account. You will identify, value, and negotiate changes and claims under NEC contracts, using programmes to monitor progress, assess delays, and manage risk effectively.
You will prepare commercial reports, bills of quantities, schedules of rates, and activity schedules, supporting the pricing and tendering of new works. In addition, you will contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial processes and ensure full compliance with governance and policies.
Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone with a BSc in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent) and several years’ relevant experience. Strong NEC contract knowledge and proven commercial acumen are essential, along with the ability to manage budgets, accounts, and contract administration. You will be an experienced leader, organised, results-driven, and a clear communicator who can collaborate effectively with colleagues, stakeholders, and the supply chain.
You should also be customer-focused, committed to high standards.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
• A salary of £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Ongoing personal/professional development
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.