quantity surveyor
Reports to: Commercial Manager
Accountable to: Commercial Manager
Main Objectives
Monitor all costs and commercial elements of a project, compared to sale and target budgets, from pre tender enquiries through to final accounts for subcontractors and Watson Construction
Prepare monthly valuations and submit to clients
Key Responsibilities
Maintain all cost control procedures and work in compliance with Watson Homes policies and procedures
Be responsible for cost control procedures and for managing and controlling the budget and valuations as well as always keeping up to date the estimated final costs, and having the ability to show absolute CVR
Liaise with management to prepare target build budgets
Contribute to value engineering of developments and manage any cost overruns in accordance with any contingency levels set
Complete accurate costing for each aspect of the project and complete all relevant reports when required
Analyse and report on costs and cash flow in conjunction with Finance teams
Prepare Trade Specifications for each tender package using Management System and in accordance with company procedures
Carry out detailed tender analysis of tenders received and compile agreement to trade specifications. Provide tender analysis to relevant people for approval of proposed sub-contractor prior to placing of orders
Liaise with Project Planner / Scheduler to ensure that orders are placed in a timely manner and well in advance of trades being required on site. Provide commercial and contractual support to Contract Managers and Site Teams in managing sub-contractors that fall behind programme
Process sub-contract orders, payments and variations using Excel and COINS in line with Watson Homes procedures
Maintain payment record sheets and keep up to date following completion of weekly or monthly payment run
Agree and settle final accounts with sub-contractors in a timely manner post completion of works on site
Attend pre-start meetings and ensure that all relevant sub-contract paperwork and signed trade specifications are uploaded to DMS prior to start on site of the sub-contractor
Evaluate and agree, in conjunction with the Commercial Manager, variations and instructions whilst always considering budget implications, and ensure that approval is obtained prior to agreement of variations
Undertake regular site visits to monitor progress and provide support to site teams in managing sub-contractors and progress
Liaise with site teams and sub-contractors to maximise productivity and reduce non productive costs
Collate pre-qualification questionnaires for sub-contractors and liaise with Quality and Health & Safety to obtain approval
Prepare monthly valuations and submit to the client Employer Agent for approval, work through queries from the client and once certified issue the invoice for works certified in a timely manner so as not to delay payments
Undertake contract administration of the Main Contract including preparing and evidencing any extensions of time claims
Manage release of project retentions inline with main contract requirements
Carry out drawing take offs to produce material schedules and BOQ’s as necessary
Skills knowledge and aptitude
Strong communication skills, the ability to build effective working relationships both internally and externally
Highly numerate with excellent attention to detail, able to gather, interpret and present data to facilitate preparation of budgets and subsequent valuations
Strong IT skills, working knowledge of computer systems within the commercial environment and in particular COINS
Articulate, clear and credible, and able to thrive under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Able to work on own initiative, with the drive to take ownership of projects
Team player, and supportive of colleagues
Ability to read and interpret design drawings & extract information as necessary
Qualifications & Training - Essential
HNC/ Level 4 or above in Quantity Surveying
Driving licence and own vehicle to travel to developments
Qualifications & Training - Desirable
CSCS certification
Familiar with COINS
Experience
Minimum of 4 years experience within a QS role
Wide experience in the discipline within the house building industry
Strong knowledge of Building Regulations, Warranty Provider and Health and Safety requirements
Working relationships
It is important to form strong working relationships with both internal and external people. The focus in this role is:
Internal: Directly employed site staff, Contracts Manager, Procurement & Commercial staff, Planners, Directors
External: Sub-Contractors, suppliers, clients
