Senior Quantity Surveyor

Overall Purpose of the Role:

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, the Senior Quantity Surveyor is a professionally qualified commercial specialist responsible for leading commercial management across a portfolio of multi-utility projects. This role requires formal academic qualification in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, and brings a higher level of contractual expertise, analytical rigour, and strategic commercial input. The Senior QS is expected to interpret and apply contract conditions at a more complex level, provide commercially sound advice to the business, and act as a technical reference point for the wider commercial team.

What you will be doing:

• Lead commercial management across an assigned portfolio of multi-utility projects, ensuring robust cost control, contract compliance, and financial delivery.
• Prepare and manage detailed cost estimates, budgets, CVRs, and financial reports; produce accurate weekly and monthly Project P&L with variance analysis and narrative commentary.
• Administer contracts under standard forms (NEC, JCT, bespoke), interpreting conditions, issuing notices, and managing the full variation and claims lifecycle through to final account.
• Identify and manage commercial risk and opportunity proactively; provide written risk assessments and recommended mitigation strategies to the Commercial Manager.
• Lead final account negotiations with customers and subcontractors, applying contractual entitlement and securing commercial outcomes in line with business targets.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, and clients to ensure commercial decisions are aligned with technical and programme requirements.
• Support design and estimating teams with detailed pricing input, contract strategy advice, and post-project cost analysis to inform future tenders.
• Conduct site visits to assess progress, validate valuations, and ensure contractual obligations are being met by all parties.
• Work closely with the operations team to review job performance against margin expectations, driving corrective action where required.
• Provide mentoring and structured commercial guidance to Lead and Assistant QSs, raising the commercial capability of the team.
• Contribute to the development and maintenance of commercial processes, templates, and best-practice guidance within the department.
• Build and manage senior-level client and contractor relationships, representing Aptus professionally in commercial negotiations and disputes.

What we ask from you:

• Relevant degree qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a closely related discipline.
• Professional membership or active working towards chartership with RICS, CIOB, or equivalent recognised body.
• Proven post-graduate experience as a Quantity Surveyor within the utility construction or contracting sector.
• Advanced knowledge of UK construction contract law (NEC, JCT, and bespoke forms), procurement procedures, and financial management.
• Ability to prepare, submit, and negotiate contractual claims and final accounts independently.
• Proficiency in MS Office Suite with advanced Excel capability; experience of QS or commercial management software advantageous.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and written communication skills, including ability to produce formal commercial correspondence and contract notices.
• Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) or demonstrable progress on an assessed route to chartership (preferred).
• Experience across multiple utility disciplines (gas, electric, water, or multi-utility infrastructure).
• Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 contract administration at project manager or QS level (preferred).
• Experience in dispute resolution, adjudication support, or formal claims management (preferred).
• Involvement in commercial process improvement or departmental governance activities (preferred).
• A full UK Driving Licence

What we can offer in return:

• Benefits include cashback plans including eye-care, dental & prescriptions, to name just a few….. please click on our benefits brochure to view further details
• Gym, fitness and retail discounts
• Donate a Day – we will gift you an extra day off each year to do something for charity or within the community
• Mentoring and ongoing guidance, not only to settle you into your role, but throughout your career with Aptus
• We promote physical and mental health and provide additional support to our employees via our Employer Assistance Program all year round

Job Type- Office based role with occasional travel to other offices and sites.

Location – Unit 19-20, Barrs Fold Road, Wingates Industrial Estate, Bolton, BL5 3XP

Whats next?

Please send your CV and contact details to careers@aptusutilities.co.uk

If you are shortlisted for this role, you will be contacted by a member of our People Team or Hiring Manager, who will usually arrange a short telephone interview before arranging a face-to-face interview.