quantity SurveyorTaking the Lead
Delivering Commercial Value Across the Project Lifecycle
A quantity surveyor at Kent Construction Consultants is responsible for managing the pre-construction and delivery stages of contracts and reporting on the costs of construction projects. This involves conducting project duration and labour cost studies, analysing material costs, preparing RIBA stage cost plans, cost assessments and value engineering, managing tendering and procurement, preparing contracts, coordinating supply deliveries, issuing payment certifications, managing change control, administering contracts, and advising clients, contractors and stakeholders on legal and contractual matters.
Quantity surveyors use their technical knowledge, creativity, and commercial acumen to ensure projects are delivered within budget and on programme. From initial calculations to final figures, they play a key role in managing the commercial aspects of both building and civil engineering works.
Driving Delivery
Managing Costs, Contracts and Stakeholders with Confidence
A core duty of the quantity surveyor is to track and report on project progress, verifying claimed work, assessing what has been delivered on-site, and preparing cost updates for clients and stakeholders. This includes validating payment claims based on certified progress and identifying financial implications for the client.
They are expected to scrutinise material, labour and maintenance costs and negotiate contracts to deliver best-value outcomes. Collaborating effectively with site managers, contractors, subcontractors and the wider professional team is crucial to ensuring successful project delivery.
Quantity surveyors must also maintain accurate project records—covering reports, budgets, risk assessments, contracts and cost tracking—while overseeing procurement schedules and material requirements. They are trusted to manage and drive their own projects while staying aligned with broader team goals.
Shaping Success
Skills, Experience and Qualifications That Set You Apart
To succeed in the role, quantity surveyors must stay informed on industry developments and continually refine their technical and commercial skills.
Essential qualities include analytical thinking, attention to detail, commercial awareness, and excellent communication. Successful candidates are strong negotiators, organised planners, and collaborative problem solvers with a deep understanding of construction principles.
Professionals in this role are required to hold a degree in quantity surveying, construction science, construction management, or a related field. Degrees are typically RICS-accredited, and quantity surveyors are expected to hold or be working towards professional chartered membership (MRICS or MCIOB).
Key Responsibilities
Typical duties include:
Prepare NRM1 Cost Plans and NRM2 Bills of Quantities
Apply strong knowledge of the RIBA Plan of Work stages and procurement strategies
Lead the tendering process and appointment of consultants and designers
Recommend and manage procurement routes, including traditional, design & build, and construction management
Oversee discharge of planning conditions in pre-construction phases
Lead and document meetings, including DTMs, mid-tender interviews, and pre-start sessions
Manage clients, main contractors and specialist subcontractors across the project lifecycle
Administer contracts (JCT, NEC, Frameworks), including drafting, issuing notices, and compliance with procedures
Prepare and submit cost reports, CVRs, valuations and payment notices in line with contractual obligations
Lead change control assessments and valuation of risk and opportunity
Monitor budgets and cash flow forecasts in alignment with construction programmes
Maintain strong document management and presentation standards
Use digital measurement tools (e.g. Bluebeam, CostX, Causeway) effectively
Collaborate within the commercial team and wider project stakeholders
Key Requirements
Typical qualifications, skills, and attributes include:
Strong analytical and critical thinking skills
Experience in construction estimating, procurement and finance
Deep understanding of construction methods and industry standards
Excellent negotiation and commercial skills
Highly organised, with strong planning and time management ability
Clear verbal and written communication, capable of writing detailed reports
Proven experience in a relevant construction or consultancy role
Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, construction science, construction management, or related discipline
Chartered status (MRICS/MCIOB) or actively working towards it
Minimum CPD: 48 hours annually
