Job Description
Assistant Quantity Surveyor
Location: Reading, Berkshire
Business Unit: Infrastructure
Contract Type: FTE
About J Coffey
J Coffey is a leading construction contractor with a strong reputation for delivering complex infrastructure and building projects across the UK. With a commitment to quality, safety, and innovation, we partner with public and private clients to bring vital infrastructure to life - especially in the UK water sector, where resilience, compliance, and sustainability are key.
Role Overview
The Assistant Quantity Surveyor will support the project’s commercial lead in managing subcontractor accounts, cost reporting, change management, procurement, and commercial administration. The role is ideally suited to someone seeking progression within a structured commercial team on a major long-term infrastructure programme.
Key Responsibilities
* Assist in managing the commercial aspects of subcontract packages, including payments, variations, and final accounts.
* Support in preparing and reviewing subcontractor valuations and ensuring accurate measurement of works.
* Maintain cost trackers, budget forecasts, and cashflow information.
* Assist with capturing, valuing, and administering early warnings, compensation events, and change notifications in line with NEC contract processes.
* Support risk identification, cost impacts, and mitigation reporting.
* Support procurement activities including preparing enquiry documentation, comparison of subcontractor quotes, and drafting subcontract orders.
* Maintain procurement logs and help ensure timely placement of orders.
* Carry out on-site measurement, take-offs, and checks against drawings and specifications.
* Assist with preparing interim valuations and supporting evidence for the commercial team and client.
* Assist in preparing monthly cost/value reconciliations (CVRs), commercial dashboards, and progress reports.
* Ensure all commercial documentation is recorded and maintained in accordance with project governance and audit standards.
* Work closely with site engineers, planners, and project managers to ensure accurate progress reporting.
* Liaise with subcontractors to support commercial compliance and resolve queries.
Key Requirements
* Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline (or working towards one)
* 1–3 years’ experience in a commercial/quantity surveying role within construction or civil engineering (water/utilities experience beneficial but not essential)
* Understanding of NEC contracts
* Ability to obtain and maintain relevant security clearance is essential
* Strong analytical, numerical, and problem-solving skills
* Good communication and interpersonal abilities with confidence working across multi-discipline teams
* Proficiency in Microsoft Office; experience with commercial systems is an advantage
* A proactive, organised, and collaborative approach to work
* Full UK driving licence (site travel required)
What We Offer
* Competitive salary and benefits package
* Career development and training pathways (including professional accreditation support)
* Supportive and collaborative team culture
* Exposure to a high-profile, technically challenging infrastructure programme.
If you have the above experience we would strongly encourage you to apply. Upon review a member of our dedicated recruitment team will be in touch to discuss your application.