Service Lead - Commercial Quantity Surveyor

About the role

We are seeking a Service Lead – Commercial Quantity Surveyor to act as the principal commercial lead for Swindon Borough Council’s housing planned maintenance, improvement and capital programmes. Reporting to the Service Manager – Planned Maintenance, you will ensure projects are delivered within budget and contractual frameworks while providing expert commercial advice.

Key responsibilities

• Take ownership of cost control, contract management and commercial assurance across a diverse portfolio of housing and corporate property projects.
• Lead cost planning, tendering, valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Provide commercial advice and challenge to colleagues, contractors and consultants, managing risk and ensuring value for money.
• Lead and develop a small professional team, driving improvements in governance, reporting and commercial practice.
• Support strategic decision‑making and sustainable outcomes for major investment programmes.

Required profile

• Strong experience in quantity surveying or commercial management within a local authority or social housing environment.
• Solid understanding of contract administration, cost control and public sector procurement.
• Degree or professional qualification in Quantity Surveying (desirable) and professional membership such as RICS.
• Recognised health and safety qualification.
• Strong commercial judgement, methodical approach and ability to work collaboratively at senior level.

Required skills

What we offer

• Competitive local government salary (£54,495) and benefits.
• Local Government Pension Scheme membership.
• Professional development and senior leadership opportunities.
• Opportunity to shape and control major, high‑value investment programmes.