Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying

Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying
Location: London / South East (with UK travel as required)
Salary: Competitive + Bonus + Benefits

Senior Commercial Leadership Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and highly regarded specialist within the retail fit-out and refurbishment sector, delivering high-quality projects for some of the UK's most recognised retail brands.

With an impressive track record of delivering fast-paced, high-quality projects nationwide, the business is entering an exciting period of growth and is seeking an experienced Head of Estimating & Quantity Surveying to lead its commercial pre-construction and project commercial functions.
This is a confidential appointment being managed exclusively by our recruitment consultancy.
The Opportunity Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you will take ownership of the estimating and quantity surveying functions, ensuring commercially robust tenders, effective cost management and profitable project delivery across the business.
This is a key leadership role that combines strategic commercial oversight with day-to-day management of a growing commercial team. You'll work closely with operational leaders, clients and the wider senior management team to support continued business growth while maintaining the highest commercial standards.
Key Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the Estimating and Quantity Surveying teams.
• Oversee the preparation of competitive, commercially sound tenders and cost plans.
• Ensure accurate project pricing, risk assessment and value engineering throughout the tender process.
• Provide commercial leadership from project award through to final account.
• Manage project budgets, cost reporting, cash flow and profitability.
• Monitor commercial performance across all live projects.
• Develop strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Negotiate contracts and oversee procurement strategies.
• Identify commercial risks and implement effective mitigation plans.
• Drive continuous improvement across estimating, procurement and commercial processes.
• Produce accurate commercial reporting and forecasts for the senior leadership team.
• Mentor and develop commercial staff, supporting succession planning and team growth.

About You

You'll be an experienced commercial leader with a strong background in retail fit-out, interiors or the wider construction sector.
You'll be commercially astute, highly organised and confident managing both the tendering and project commercial lifecycle while leading and developing high-performing teams.

We're looking for someone with:

• Significant experience in estimating and quantity surveying within retail fit-out, commercial interiors or construction.
• Previous leadership or management experience within a commercial function.
• Excellent knowledge of construction contracts, procurement and commercial management.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tenders and projects simultaneously.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience mentoring and developing commercial professionals.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline (preferred).
• Membership of RICS, CIOB or equivalent is advantageous.

What's on Offer

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected, growing business where you'll have genuine influence over the commercial direction of the company.
In return, you'll receive:

• Competitive salary with performance-related bonus.
• A senior leadership position with real autonomy and influence.
• Opportunity to shape and develop the commercial function.
• Long-term career progression within an ambitious business.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership team.
• Comprehensive benefits package.