Senior Quantity Surveyor

Role Overview

A major FTSE-listed national housebuilder is seeking an experienced Project Surveyor / Senior Quantity Surveyor for a long-term freelance assignment based out of their Surrey regional office.

In this role, you will take full commercial ownership of an active traditional housing development while concurrently front-ending the tendering and commercial setup for one to two upcoming schemes.

You will also be supported by-and responsible for mentoring-a dedicated Apprentice Quantity Surveyor.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Leadership: Take commercial lead on an active traditional build residential development, driving cost management, cash flow, and overall project profitability.
• Front-End Tendering & Procurement: Lead competitive tendering, package scoping, and procurement for 1-2 upcoming traditional housing schemes in the regional pipeline.
• Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs): Own the monthly CVR reporting cycle, cost-to-complete forecasts, cash flows, and risk/opportunity registers.
• Subcontract Management: Manage all traditional residential trade packages (superstructure, envelope, and internal trades; groundworks packages are excluded), including procurement, payment notices, variation approvals, and final accounts.
• Mentorship: Supervise, mentor, and support the professional development of an assigned Apprentice QS.
• Day-to-Day Commercial Controls: Oversee regular site valuations, payment applications, and collaborate closely with site production and technical teams across active regional projects.

Essential Criteria

• Software / Housebuilder Heritage: Hands-on proficiency with COINS software. OR, if lacking COINS experience, a solid commercial track record working directly with a tier-one volume housebuilder: Barratt Homes, Berkeley Group, Taylor Wimpey, or Lovell Partnerships.
• Traditional Housing Expertise: In-depth commercial experience in volume traditional house building (brick and block construction; groundworks packages are excluded from this remit).
• Dual Pre- & Post-Contract Delivery: Proven capability to handle day-to-day commercial management on a live site while concurrently tendering future phases/schemes.
• Contractor Setup: Operating via an established Personal Service Company (PSC) with active business insurances (Professional Indemnity, Public Liability, and Employers' Liability).
• Mobility: Based within commutable distance of the Surrey regional office, with the ability to visit developments across the county as required.

Assignment Highlights

• Commercial Autonomy: Lead-level ownership overseeing live site delivery and future pipeline setup.
• Genuine Outside IR35 Determination: Established deliverables-based assessment supporting contractor independence.
• Long-Term Visibility: Initial 12-month contract backed by a healthy, ongoing regional pipeline.