Senior Quantity Surveyor

About the role

We are seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor to join a leading housing development business in Cornwall. The role is site‑based and permanent, focusing on mixed‑tenure residential projects and delivering commercial excellence throughout the project lifecycle.

Key responsibilities

• Attend design, pre‑start and project meetings to identify commercial risks, opportunities and cost implications.
• Review contracts, drawings and specifications to spot errors, omissions and potential cost exposures.
• Manage procurement activities, including tender enquiries, subcontractor selection, negotiations and order placement.
• Prepare budgets, cost plans, tender analysis and construction cost forecasts.
• Negotiate subcontract packages, manage variations and agree final accounts.
• Monitor project costs, cash flow, valuations and financial performance, ensuring projects stay within budget.
• Produce monthly commercial reporting such as CVRs, margin analysis, cash‑flow forecasts and cost‑to‑complete reports.
• Oversee subcontractor payments, retention releases and contractual compliance.
• Identify and manage contractual risks, including extensions of time, loss and expense claims and payment disputes.
• Support value‑engineering initiatives and provide commercial advice to maximise profitability.

Required profile

• Proven experience as a senior or quantity surveyor on residential development, construction or house‑building projects.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to drive profitability and operational performance.
• Experience managing multiple projects and coordinating diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and leadership abilities.

Required skills

• JCT contracts
• Construction legislation and payment regulations
• Procurement processes
• Cost reporting and forecasting
• Cost management systems
• Valuation and budgeting