Junior QS

Job Title: Assistant / Junior Quantity Surveyor (QS)

Reports to: Senior Quantity Surveyor
Salary Range: Up to £45,000
Location: Multiple Sites

Overview:
The Assistant / Junior Quantity Surveyor (QS) will support the Senior Quantity Surveyor and project teams in managing the financial and contractual aspects of construction projects. This role involves assisting in cost control, budgeting, subcontract management, and ensuring that commercial processes are executed smoothly. The Assistant QS plays a key role in ensuring projects are completed on time, within budget, and in compliance with quality standards.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Cost Planning and Estimation:

• Assist in preparing detailed cost estimates, including subcontracted packages, materials, labour, and overheads.
• Help develop project budgets based on specifications, drawings, and design information.
• Obtain market rates and budget costs to inform accurate estimates.
• Measure drawings to create cost plans and support senior staff in revising those plans as needed.

2. Tendering and Procurement:

• Assist in preparing work packages and learn how to efficiently split tenders.
• Compile and distribute tender documentation to subcontractors.
• Administer the tender process, ensuring a minimum of three compliant bids.
• Help update procurement schedules to ensure alignment with project timelines.
• Assist in analysing tenders and making recommendations for subcontractor selection.

3. Placing Orders and Contract Management:

• Establish and track subcontractor lead times to align with project programmes.
• Prepare and submit purchase orders for approval.
• Draft and review subcontractor agreements.
• Support subcontract administration, ensuring compliance with terms, payment schedules, and timelines.

4. Valuations:

• Assist in preparing and submitting interim and final valuations.
• Measure quantities from drawings and perform site inspections to verify completed work.
• Help manage variations and document their cost and time implications accurately.

5. Financial Reporting:

• Assist with regular updates and reviews of financial reports using Planyard software.
• Track actual costs against budgeted figures and report variances.
• Support the Senior QS in preparing project cost updates for senior management.
• Ensure financial queries are addressed promptly and in line with management expectations.

6. Risk Management:

• Assist in identifying and mitigating project financial risks.
• Support the project team in contingency planning and in managing claims and disputes.

7. Site Visits and Progress Monitoring:

• Attend site visits to monitor project progress and ensure alignment with budget and timelines.
• Collaborate with the site team to monitor variations and address potential risks or delays.

8. Administrative Support:

• Take minutes at weekly progress, procurement, and cost meetings.
• Maintain organised records of financial documents, contracts, tenders, and reports.
• Control and distribute design documentation to relevant parties, including site managers and subcontractors.
• Assist with weekly labour returns for submission to accounts.
• Ensure paperwork and project documentation are accurately maintained and accessible.

Qualifications and Skills:

• A degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field.
• Familiarity with construction cost control, procurement, and budgeting.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in software such as Planyard, Excel, and other financial tools is a plus.
• Strong communication and team collaboration abilities.
• Eagerness to learn and develop in a fast-paced construction environment.