Managing Quantity Surveyor

  • Girling Jones Ltd
  • Taunton, Somerset
  • 13/02/2026
Full time Construction

Job Description

Managing Quantity Surveyor - Regional Civil Engineering Highways & Infrastructure

The Opportunity

We re looking for an experienced Managing Quantity Surveyor to take commercial ownership of regional highways and infrastructure schemes across the South West. This role sits within a growing self-delivery civil engineering business delivering regional highways and infrastructure projects for:
  • Local Authorities
  • National Highways
  • Private Developers
  • Tier 1 Main Contractors
Based from Taunton, this is an opportunity to lead commercially across a strong portfolio of work while helping shape the continued growth of the region.

The Business

This regional civil engineering arm delivers:
  • Highways new build schemes
  • Public realm and urban infrastructure
  • Framework packages
  • Bridges and Structures
Projects range from reactive works through to larger infrastructure schemes exceeding £10m, with a healthy and growing pipeline across the South West.

The Role

As Managing Quantity Surveyor, you will take commercial ownership of a portfolio of self-delivered highways and Civils schemes, working closely with operational teams to drive performance, margin and governance. With a regional turnover of circa £20m, you ll lead and support a commercial team (Assistant QS to Senior QS level) and play a key role in strengthening commercial discipline across the region.

Key responsibilities include:
  • Leading commercial delivery across multiple highways projects
  • Managing NEC contracts and ensuring robust governance
  • Driving CVRs, forecasting and reporting
  • Proactive risk and opportunity management
  • Supporting bid input and pricing where required
  • Developing and mentoring commercial team members
  • Working collaboratively with delivery teams and key clients
You ll typically operate in a hybrid pattern, spending around 3 days on site or in Taunton and 2 days from home, depending on project demands.

What We re Looking For

We re seeking a commercially capable Managing Quantity Surveyor with a background in regional civil engineering and highways.

You ll bring:
  • Strong NEC contract knowledge
  • Experience delivering highways or infrastructure projects
  • Experience managing or mentoring junior QS staff
  • A proactive, solutions-focused mindset
  • Confidence working directly with clients and operational teams
  • Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar
  • Professional membership desirable but not essential
You ll be comfortable operating with autonomy while still being part of a structured and supportive regional team.
What s On Offer
  • Competitive salary (based on experience)
  • £7500 car Allowance
  • Private healthcare
  • Pension & life assurance
  • 25 days annual leave plus birthday off
  • Hybrid working
  • Enhanced parental benefits
  • Long-term career progression within a growing highways business
Why This Role?

If you re a commercially strong MQS ready to step into broader responsibility within regional civil engineering without jumping into corporate layers this is a serious South West opportunity.