Job Description

Job Title:

Quantity Surveyor (Commercial/Construction - Education Sector Focus)

Location

: Derby area, Derbyshire (hybrid/remote working considered where the role allows; office proximity preferred for collaboration, e.g., near Belper or Ripley - flexible commuting/site visits as required)

Employment Type:

Permanent / Contract (depending on project needs)

Salary

: Competitive, depending on experience (typically 45,000-65,000+ for mid-level QS, plus benefits/package - negotiable based on level)

Reports to: Senior QS / Commercial Manager

About the Role

We are a leading UK construction and commercial contractor currently delivering multiple high-profile tenders and projects, with a strong pipeline in the education sector. We are seeking experienced Quantity Surveyors to join our team and support ongoing and upcoming works.

This is an excellent opportunity for proactive, commercially astute QS professionals who thrive in a fast-paced environment with multiple live tenders. You will play a key role in cost management, procurement, and commercial delivery on quality projects, including those procured via DfE frameworks (Department for Education standards, output specifications, and compliance).

Key Responsibilities

Manage all commercial and cost aspects of construction projects from pre-contract through to final account. Prepare and review tenders, bills of quantities (BoQ), budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasts. Undertake interim valuations, variations, change orders, and cost reporting. Negotiate and manage subcontractor packages, supplier agreements, and procurement processes. Monitor project expenditure, cashflow, risk, and value engineering opportunities to maximise margins. Ensure compliance with contract terms (e.g., JCT, NEC), project specifications, and regulatory requirements. Liaise with clients, project managers, site teams, architects, engineers, and other stakeholders. Produce regular commercial reports, cost/value reconciliations, and final account settlements. Support tender submissions and bid preparation for new opportunities.
Ideal Candidate Profile

Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor in UK construction/commercial projects (main contractor or consultancy background preferred). Strong track record on DfE-funded or procured projects (e.g., schools, academies, further education buildings) - highly desirable, including familiarity with DfE frameworks, Generic Design Brief, Technical Annexes, MMC/modular approaches, net-zero requirements, and education-sector compliance. Experience across various project types (education preferred, but commercial/industrial considered). Degree/HND/HNC in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or equivalent (or qualified by experience). Working towards or holding chartered status (e.g., MRICS, AssocRICS) advantageous. Excellent commercial acumen, negotiation skills, and attention to detail under pressure. Proficient in relevant software (e.g., CostX, Excel, Microsoft Project) and standard forms of contract. Full UK driving licence (projects may require site visits). Ability to work flexibly with multiple live tenders and projects.
What We Offer

Opportunity to work on high-quality, meaningful projects in the education and commercial sectors. Competitive salary and benefits package (pension, holidays, etc.). Supportive team environment with progression opportunities. Flexible/hybrid working arrangements considered (e.g., remote working for office-based tasks combined with required office attendance and site visits). Immediate start potential for the right candidate.
If this matches your experience (especially DfE project background), please send your CV and a brief note on your relevant experience to Jamie.moyle@universal-group.uk for immediate consideration.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 60 months

Pay: 45,000.00-65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Work from home
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Derby (Derbyshire, East Midlands Region)