Senior Quantity Surveyor
Location: Oxfordshire
Sector: Civil Engineering – Highways
Employment Type: Permanent
About the Opportunity
Red Sky Personnel are recruiting on behalf of a leading civil engineering contractor delivering major infrastructure projects across the UK. This opportunity sits on a significant highways scheme in Didcot, requiring a commercially astute Senior Quantity Surveyor to take full ownership of the commercial function.
Key Requirement:
Proven experience delivering fully built highways/roads projects in the UK is essential.
Role Overview
Reporting to the Managing Quantity Surveyor, you will lead all commercial activities on a major highways project. This includes full cost control, subcontract management, contract administration, and value recovery, ensuring commercial performance and compliance across the lifecycle of the scheme.
Key Responsibilities
Full commercial management of a major highways project
Establish and manage project budgets, including cost coding structures
Prepare, submit, and manage monthly applications for payment
Monitor costs, forecast outturn, and report cost to completion
Administer NEC contracts (preferably Option C), including compensation events
Lead subcontract procurement, tendering, and contract negotiation
Manage subcontractor accounts, payments, and issue resolution
Carry out delay analysis and support loss & expense claims
Ensure accurate and timely commercial reporting using internal systems
Liaise with client representatives and internal stakeholders
Manage and mentor junior commercial staff
Attend and contribute to commercial and progress meetings
Ensure cash flow forecasting and financial controls are maintained
Requirements
Essential:
Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management
Demonstrable experience in a Senior QS role within heavy civils
Strong background in fully built highways/roads projects
Sound knowledge of NEC contracts (Option C preferred)
Strong commercial acumen with cost control and forecasting expertise
Proven subcontract management and negotiation skills
Experience in claims, delay analysis, and loss & expense
Desirable:
Professional accreditation (MRICS / MCICES or similar)
Key Competencies
Strong leadership and team management capability
Clear and confident communication skills
Client-facing and commercially focused mindset
Effective planning and organisational ability
High level of attention to detail and accountability
Proactive problem-solving and decision-making
Package
Competitive salary
Car allowance
Pension
Private medical cover
Life assurance