Location: Glasgow (Paisley), office-based
Contract: Full-time
Salary: £50,000-£60,000, depending on experience, with competitive benefits package including private healthcare and flexible working
Find out more or apply at qbuildltd.co.uk/recruit-qs
Role Summary:
The Quantity Surveyor is responsible for leading all estimating, procurement, and cost management functions across QBuild projects. Reporting to the Commercial Director, this role ensures commercial accuracy, cost control, and best-value outcomes throughout each project lifecycle — from tender through completion.
The position combines hands-on estimating, supplier negotiation, and budget management with the ability to work collaboratively with Operations and Leadership teams to deliver high-quality bespoke homes efficiently and profitably.
Key ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Tendering
* Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender submissions to deadlines, from Bills of Quantities or from drawings and specifications.
* Coordinate and lead tender processes for subcontract works — obtain multiple quotations, complete tender comparison sheets, and make recommendations.
* Conduct detailed material take-offs from drawings for use in pricing, procurement, and cost planning.
* Produce cost breakdowns and analysis for Director review prior to submission.
* Deliver complete and commercially sound tenders within agreed timeframes.
Procurement & Purchasing
* Manage procurement of all materials for live projects in coordination with the Operations Department.
* Source, negotiate, and order materials and specialist items (e.g. glazing, staircases, bespoke joinery) within budget and programme deadlines.
* Liaise with Lead Builders and Operations to forecast procurement needs using project schedules.
* Maintain strong supplier relationships and continuously seek value engineering opportunities.
* Prepare and issue standard subcontract orders and ensure all subcontractors are signed to QBuild terms and conditions.
Cost Control & Financial Management
* Manage and report all costs on live contracts throughout the construction phase.
* Monitor material, subcontract, and labour budgets against tender allowances.
* Manage variations, architects’ instructions, and client requests promptly and accurately.
* Provide ongoing cost advice to Directors and project teams to support timely decision-making.
* Support monthly valuation meetings and assist in producing cashflow forecasts.
* Report potential cost issues early and work proactively with delivery teams to identify and implement best-value solutions.
Value Engineering & Contract Administration
* Lead value engineering exercises, identifying commercially and technically sound alternatives during both tender negotiations and live project delivery.
* Advise on contractual matters, ensuring compliance with standard building contracts in Scotland and the UK.
* Support the Commercial Director in managing client and subcontractor contractual obligations.
* Identify and report potential contractual risks and opportunities early.
* Monitor relevant events and prepare Extension of Time claims in accordance with contract provisions.
Collaboration & Reporting
* Work closely with the Commercial Director, Technical Director, Contracts & Operations Manager, and Lead Builders to ensure procurement and cost management are fully integrated into the Master Schedule.
* Collaborate with the Contracts & Operations Manager and Head of Organisational Development on process improvement and reporting systems.
* Produce accurate monthly commercial and procurement reports for review by the Directors.
Requirements
* Proven experience in estimating, procurement, and cost control within a main contractor environment (minimum 5 years)
* Excellent understanding of tendering processes, Bills of Quantities, and standard building contracts (JCT/SBCC).
* Strong negotiation and communication skills.
* Advanced Excel and digital competency (Google Workspace preferred).
* Detail-oriented, deadline-driven, and commercially astute.
* Full UK driving licence (occasional site visits required).
Conditions
* Full-time, permanent position.
* Monday to Friday, 8:00am–4:30pm.
* Primarily Office-based (Paisley HQ).
* Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
* Private healthcare (post-probation).
* 30 days annual leave
* Flexible working, including work-from-home options (post-probation)
* Opportunity to work on award-winning, bespoke projects across the UK
Find out more or apply at qbuildltd.co.uk/recruit-qs