Pre - Construction Lead QS

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Lead Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of the pre-construction commercial function across a diverse portfolio of projects.

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This is a key leadership position responsible for managing a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors, driving commercial governance, and ensuring the integrity of budgeting, cost planning, and CVR reporting across the division. You will play a critical role in shaping early-stage project success, influencing procurement strategy, and ensuring robust financial control throughout the pre-construction lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership & Governance

Lead and manage the pre-construction commercial function, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and control across all projects

Own and oversee divisional budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasting

Establish and maintain robust commercial processes, controls, and reporting standards

CVR & Financial Management

Take full accountability for the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process across the pre-construction portfolio

Ensure timely, accurate reporting of cost position, risks, opportunities, and forecast outcomes

Challenge assumptions, cost movements, and commercial risks to protect business margins

Provide clear financial reporting and insight to senior leadership

Team Leadership & Development

Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors

Set objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development

Ensure appropriate resource allocation and workload balance across projects

Cost Planning & Pre-Construction Support

Lead the development and validation of detailed cost plans and budgets

Support bid and tender processes, ensuring competitive and commercially sound submissions

Drive value engineering initiatives and cost optimisation strategies

Work closely with design and pre-construction teams to ensure alignment between scope and budget

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

Oversee pre-construction procurement strategies and package scoping

Support early supply chain engagement to inform pricing, risk management, and buildability

Ensure compliance with procurement governance and commercial best practice

Risk & Opportunity Management

Identify, manage, and report commercial risks and opportunities across all schemes

Ensure risk allowances, contingencies, and commercial positions are robust and defensible

Support mitigation strategies to protect cost certainty and programme outcomes

Stakeholder Engagement

Act as a key commercial interface with internal teams, clients, and supply chain partners xwwtmva

Present commercial updates and financial positions to senior stakeholders

Support collaborative working across design, construction, and operational teams

About You

Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role , ideally within pre-construction

Strong knowledge of CVR processes, cost planning, and budget management

Experience managing and developing commercial teams

Skilled in commercial strategy, risk management, and financial reporting

Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities

Experience within [construction / cladding remediation / main contracting] is highly desirable

What We Offer

Competitive salary and benefits package

Opportunity to lead a critical commercial function within a growing division

Clear career progression and leadership exposure

A collaborative, high-performing team environment