Job Description

Job description
Reading Borough Council is seeking a skilled Quantity Surveyor to join the Property Services Team. This role is an opportunity to oversee cost control, contract management, and procurement for a range of projects, including housing improvements, new builds, and maintenance schemes.



We seek the best talent from the widest pool of people as diversity and inclusion is the key to our success. Reading Borough Council is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to the recruitment and continued employment of people with disabilities.



We are open to flexible working patterns and can provide a hybrid working environment which utilises the best of both worlds with a mix of office working in central Reading and homeworking according to the needs of the Service.

About the role:

The Quantity Surveyor will provide expert cost advice, ensure financial efficiency, and help shape the council's approach to procurement and contract management. The role will involve managing various procurement exercise, including materials supply contract worth over 1.5 million annually while ensuring best value and quality.

Key responsibilities include:

Providing cost estimates, valuations, and financial reporting for projects. Advising on contract types, dispute resolution, and procurement processes. Managing tenders, contract assessments, and overseeing outsourced contracts. Attending site meetings and ensuring compliance with health and safety regulations. Liaising with stakeholders, including Councillors, Senior Officers, and external consultants.

About you:

To be successful in this role, candidates should have:


A recognized construction industry qualification (RICS/BSc/HND/HNC or similar). Extensive experience in cost planning, project management, and contract administration. Strong negotiation and communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels. High numeracy skills and proficiency in IT systems for project monitoring. A commitment to equal opportunities and sustainability, aligning with the council's values. A valid UK driving licence.

You'll be part of a team that relies on each individual to play their part to the best of their ability. As well as the colleagues that you work closely with every day, you'll also be part of Team Reading, playing your personal part in making Reading a successful and vibrant place.



Our vision is to ensure that Reading realises its potential as a great place to live, work and play, and that everyone shares the benefits of this success. Our values and behaviours guide how we will achieve this:

Work Together as one team

- work collaboratively, with each other and with our partners, and demonstrate the Team Reading values in everything we do

Drive Efficiency

- show initiative, be adaptable to change and put forward ideas to help improve delivery and efficiency. Take responsibility for our own learning and development and for reaching our potential

Be Ambitious

- be demanding of our own performance - striving to be even better - and be prepared to engage with and challenge leaders in a constructive and positive way

Make a Difference to Reading

- maintain the highest levels of customer service and be flexible and willing to provide the services needed at the time they are needed

Our offer:

We offer a supportive environment to grow and develop your career with the opportunity to put your ideas across. Innovation and ambition is strongly encouraged, and you'll get a great feel for that working in our friendly and collaborative environment.



A competitive salary alongside a range of benefits including:


Generous holiday entitlement - 25 days holiday each year plus bank holidays - rising to 33 days after 10 years' service, with the option to buy additional leave A wide range of flexible working opportunities Modern working environment at 19 Bennet Road in Reading Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS) Life Assurance - three times your annual salary (for members of the LGPS) On-site day nursery (Kennet Day nursery) rated outstanding by Ofsted Season Ticket Loan - to help with the cost of your rail/ bus journey, to & from work Lease car salary sacrifice scheme allowing you to lease a brand new, greener car for three years. The monthly fee includes insurance, servicing and road tax

For more information on this position please contact Mike Carpenter, Housing Projects Manager.

Mike.carpenter@reading.gov.uk

or 07711 879 526

Closing Date: Sunday 17th August 2025

Interview Date: To be confirmed



Please note that the closing date is given as a guide. We reserve the right to close this vacancy once a sufficient number of applications has been received. Therefore, it is strongly advised that you complete and return your application as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.