Job Description

JOB PURPOSE

The Senior Quantity Surveyor is responsible for overseeing all financial, commercial, and contractual aspects of construction projects to ensure that they are delivered within budget, on time, and in compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements. The role involves preparing cost estimates, monitoring project expenditures, managing variations, and controlling budgets throughout the project lifecycle. The Senior QS provides strategic financial guidance and commercial advice to project teams, management, and stakeholders, ensuring that risks related to costs, procurement, and contractual obligations are identified, assessed, and mitigated. They play a pivotal role in tendering, procurement, and contract administration, ensuring fair and transparent processes while maximizing value for the organization. Acting as a key interface between clients, contractors, suppliers, and internal teams, the Senior QS ensures clear communication, accountability, and financial transparency. The role also involves mentoring junior QS staff, implementing best practices, and driving process improvements to optimize project cost management and overall commercial performance.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

1.0 Cost Estimation & Budgeting

1.1 Prepare detailed cost estimates, bills of quantities, and budgets for construction projects.

1.2 Conduct feasibility studies and provide financial advice during project planning.

1.3 Monitor project costs against budgets and report any variances to management.

1.4 Identify opportunities for cost optimization while maintaining quality and safety standards.

1.5 Review design and specification changes and evaluate their cost implications.

1.6 Prepare life-cycle cost analyses to assess long-term financial impacts of project decisions.

1.7 Collaborate with design and engineering teams to ensure cost-effective solutions.

1.8 Advise on value engineering opportunities to optimize project resources.

1.9 Assist in preparing funding requirements, cash flow projections, and financial forecasts.

1.10 Evaluate material, labor, and equipment costs to support budgeting and procurement decisions.

1.11 Maintain and update historical cost data to improve accuracy for future projects.

1.12 Provide recommendations on budget allocation and prioritization of project activities.

 

2.0 Contract Management & Administration

2.1 Assist in drafting, reviewing, and administering contracts with contractors, suppliers, and consultants.

2.2 Manage variations, extensions, and amendments to contracts efficiently.

2.3 Ensure all contract terms and conditions are complied with and documented properly.

2.4 Maintain an up-to-date contract repository and ensure timely approvals and sign-offs.

2.5 Provide guidance to project teams on contractual obligations and rights.

2.6 Monitor contract performance and ensure milestones, deliverables, and obligations are met.

2.7 Review claims, disputes, and notices submitted under contracts, providing recommendations for resolution.

2.8 Collaborate with legal and procurement teams to ensure contracts meet company and regulatory standards.

2.9 Prepare and submit periodic contract reports to project management and stakeholders.

2.10 Support project close-out procedures by ensuring all contractual obligations are fulfilled and documentation is complete.

2.11 Maintain records of all correspondence, approvals, and changes related to contracts for audit purposes.

2.12 Recommend improvements to contract templates, processes, and administration practices to increase efficiency.

 

3.0 Procurement & Tendering

3.1 Prepare tender documents, bills of quantities, and pricing schedules for procurement.

3.2 Evaluate contractor and supplier bids, providing recommendations for selection.

3.3 Conduct cost benchmarking and market analysis to support procurement decisions.

3.4 Negotiate commercial terms with contractors and suppliers to achieve value for money.

3.5 Ensure compliance with procurement policies and legal requirements.

3.6 Develop procurement strategies aligned with project budgets and timelines.

3.7 Coordinate pre-bid meetings and clarify technical, financial, and contractual queries.

3.8 Assess the financial stability and capability of potential contractors and suppliers.

3.9 Prepare recommendation reports and justification for awarding contracts.

3.10 Monitor procurement schedules to ensure timely delivery of materials and services.

3.11 Maintain records of all procurement activities, including bid evaluations and approvals.

3.12 Identify opportunities for cost savings, value engineering, and supplier performance improvement.

 

4.0 Cost Control & Financial Monitoring

4.1 Monitor ongoing project costs, cash flow, and expenditure.

4.2 Prepare interim valuations and certify payments to contractors.

4.3 Analyze cost variances and implement corrective actions where necessary.

4.4 Maintain records of project financials and ensure accuracy for reporting.

4.5 Provide regular cost reports and forecasts to project management and stakeholders.

4.6 Track and manage project contingencies and allowances to prevent budget overruns.

4.7 Review invoices, payment applications, and contractor claims for accuracy and compliance.

4.8 Identify potential financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies.

4.9 Ensure alignment of project spending with approved budgets and company policies.

4.10 Collaborate with project teams to optimize resource allocation and minimize unnecessary expenditures.

4.11 Conduct post-project financial evaluations to assess cost performance and identify lessons learned.

 

5.0 Risk Management & Compliance

5.1 Identify financial, contractual, and commercial risks and propose mitigation strategies.

5.2 Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual obligations, and industry regulations.

5.3 Support dispute resolution and claims management processes.

5.4 Conduct periodic audits and reviews of project costs and contracts.

5.5 Assess the impact of project changes, variations, or delays on cost and schedule risks.

5.6 Monitor regulatory updates and ensure contracts and project practices remain compliant.

5.7 Maintain risk registers and track mitigation actions for all identified risks.

5.8 Advise project teams on risk avoidance strategies and proactive measures.

5.9 Collaborate with legal, finance, and operations teams to resolve compliance or contractual issues.

5.10 Recommend preventive measures and best practices to minimize contractual disputes and financial exposure.

 

6.0 Stakeholder Coordination

6.1 Liaise with project managers, engineers, clients, contractors, and suppliers.

6.2 Provide financial and commercial advice to internal and external stakeholders.

6.3 Facilitate smooth communication regarding budget updates, contract matters, and cost implications.

6.4 Support collaboration between cross-functional teams to ensure project objectives are met.

6.5 Act as the primary point of contact for all cost and contract-related queries.

6.6 Ensure internal teams are fully informed of contractual obligations, deadlines, and changes.

6.7 Coordinate with procurement, legal, and operations teams to integrate stakeholder requirements into contracts.

6.8 Provide updates to senior management on stakeholder interactions, project costs, and contract performance.

6.9 Mediate and resolve conflicts between stakeholders to maintain project harmony and performance.

6.10 Participate in project meetings, workshops, and review sessions to align stakeholders on objectives and outcomes.

7.0 Reporting & Analysis

7.1 Prepare detailed reports on project costs, forecasts, and contract performance.

7.2 Analyze trends and provide insights to support strategic and operational decision-making.

7.3 Maintain historical cost data to improve future project planning and estimation.

7.4 Present financial and commercial updates to senior management and clients as required.

7.5 Develop dashboards and visual reports to monitor project cost health and key performance indicators (KPIs).

7.6 Conduct post-contract evaluations to assess cost performance against objectives.

7.7 Identify bottlenecks, inefficiencies, or cost overruns and recommend corrective actions.

7.8 Prepare reports for audits, regulatory compliance reviews, and project close-outs.

7.9 Provide predictive analysis to anticipate budget risks, schedule delays, or contractual issues.

7.10 Track contractor and supplier performance against agreed financial and contractual terms.

7.11 Ensure all reporting is accurate, timely, and aligned with organizational standards.

7.12 Support strategic decision-making by providing scenario analysis, cost-benefit evaluations, and forecasting.

 

8.0 Leadership & Team Development

8.1 Mentor and guide junior quantity surveyors and project staff on financial and contractual matters.

8.2 Promote knowledge sharing and best practices within the commercial team.

8.3 Support capacity building and training initiatives for cost management excellence.

8.4 Encourage a culture of accountability, continuous improvement, and professional development.

8.5 Set team objectives, monitor performance, and conduct regular performance appraisals.

8.6 Delegate responsibilities effectively while maintaining oversight on critical tasks.

8.7 Foster collaboration between the quantity surveying team and other project departments.

8.8 Identify skill gaps and implement targeted training or coaching programs.

8.9 Recognize and reward high performance to motivate and retain talent.

8.10 Encourage innovation in cost management processes, tools, and techniques.

8.11 Ensure succession planning and development of future leaders within the commercial team.

8.12 Provide guidance on complex project or contractual issues to support decision-making at all levels.

 

9.0 Anti-Bribery Compliance

9.1 Understand, apply and comply to anti-bribery & corruption management system
and policies.

9.2 Report any violation to anti-bribery & corruption policy through whistleblowing
channels.

 

10.0 Continuous Improvement

10.1 Identify process gaps and inefficiencies in cost estimation, contract management, and reporting workflows.

10.2 Recommend and implement process improvements to enhance accuracy, efficiency, and cost control.

10.3 Benchmark practices against industry standards and integrate best practices into daily operations.

10.4 Promote a culture of innovation and continuous learning within the quantity surveying and commercial team.

10.5 Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of improvements, reporting outcomes to senior management.

10.6 Introduce tools, templates, and systems to streamline financial, procurement, and contract management processes.

Job Requirements

1. Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field.
2. Master’s degree or postgraduate qualification in construction management, project management, or a related field is a plus.
3. Professional membership or certification such as MRICS (Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors), CIQS (Certified Institute of Quantity Surveyors), or equivalent is highly desirable.
4. Additional certifications in project management (PMP), risk management, procurement, or contract management are a plus.
5. Minimum of 8–12 years of experience in quantity surveying, commercial management, or construction project cost control.
6. Proven experience in cost estimation, budgeting, tendering, procurement, and contract administration on medium to large-scale construction projects.
7. Experience in managing project budgets, cash flows, and financial reporting.
8. Strong track record in mentoring and leading junior QS staff.
9. Experience in dispute resolution, claims management, and risk assessment is highly desirable.
10. Exposure to multinational projects, complex contracts, or high-value construction programs is preferred.

Skills