Commercial Manager / Quantity Surveyor

Commercial Manager / Quantity Surveyor (QS)

Location: Sutton Relocating to Purley around Christmas
Salary: £60,000 £70,000+ per annum, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
Projects: London and the South East

Job Overview

We are recruiting for a commercially minded Quantity Surveyor (QS) / Commercial Manager to join an established specialist construction contractor delivering high-quality plasterwork and interior finishes on prestigious projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced QS or Commercial Manager with a strong background in construction commercial management, project cost control and subcontractor management.

The company works across high-end residential, commercial and heritage sectors, including luxury properties, historic landmarks, five-star hotels and exclusive interiors. Projects range in value from £100,000 to £200 million, offering the successful QS the opportunity to work on diverse, high-profile developments.

The role offers an approximate 50/50 split between office-based work and site visits across London and the South East. The successful candidate will take responsibility for the commercial management of projects from initial order through to completion and final account, working closely with clients, subcontractors, design teams, manufacturing teams and site management.

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience as a Quantity Surveyor, Project QS, Senior QS, Commercial Manager or Construction QS who can confidently manage project finances, valuations, variations and commercial reporting.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage projects commercially from initial order through to completion and final account, ensuring effective QS control throughout the project lifecycle.
• Take responsibility for all Quantity Surveying (QS) duties across multiple projects.
• Monitor project costs, budgets, cash flow and overall commercial performance.
• Prepare, review and manage valuations, applications for payment and final accounts.
• Identify, assess, negotiate and record variations, ensuring all additional costs and changes are commercially managed.
• Oversee subcontractor procurement, appointments, payments and commercial performance.
• Maintain accurate QS records, cost reports and project financial information.
• Prepare weekly client progress reports and commercial updates.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, interior designers, subcontractors and other project stakeholders.
• Review construction drawings, specifications and programmes to assess project requirements, costs and potential commercial risks.
• Develop and manage project-specific programmes to ensure work is delivered on time and within budget.
• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to coordinate materials, production schedules and site requirements.
• Manage material call-offs from the workshop, ensuring materials are available when required and costs are controlled.
• Review and manage site documentation, including method statements and risk assessments (RAMS).
• Support site management activities, ensuring health and safety, organisation and quality standards are maintained.
• Review and approve invoices where required, checking costs against agreed budgets, orders and project valuations.
• Use Microsoft Excel and other IT systems to manage QS calculations, cost analysis, commercial data and financial reporting.
• Identify potential commercial risks and opportunities, providing practical solutions to protect project profitability.
• Ensure accurate and timely commercial administration throughout each project's duration.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will be an experienced QS or commercially focused construction professional with the ability to manage projects independently and maintain strong commercial control.

You should have:

• Previous experience as a Quantity Surveyor (QS), Project QS, Senior QS, Commercial Manager or in a similar construction commercial role.
• Experience managing the commercial aspects of high-end residential or commercial construction projects.
• Strong QS knowledge, including cost control, valuations, variations, subcontractor payments and final accounts.
• Excellent commercial awareness and the ability to monitor project budgets, identify risks and protect profit margins.
• Strong Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, calculations, cost tracking and working with project data.
• Good general IT skills and confidence using digital reporting and project management systems.
• The ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications and project programmes.
• Experience coordinating subcontractors, site teams and project stakeholders.
• Strong organisational, communication, negotiation and problem-solving skills.
• A relevant construction qualification required for CSCS eligibility.
• A proactive and professional approach, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

Candidates with a traditional QS background who are looking to take on broader commercial management responsibilities are encouraged to apply. Equally, an experienced Commercial Manager with strong hands-on QS experience would be well suited to the position.

Experience in specialist interiors, plasterwork or other finishing trades would be advantageous but is not essential for the right candidate.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

- Valid CSCS card or eligibility to obtain one.

- SMSTS certification, or willingness to undertake the qualification.

- Experience preparing and reviewing RAMS.

- Experience with invoice checking, approval and subcontractor payment assessments.

- Experience working alongside design and manufacturing teams.

- Previous experience managing QS duties on specialist construction, interior finishing or high-end fit-out projects.

What's on Offer?

- Competitive salary of approximately £60,000 £70,000+ per annum, depending on experience.

- Profit-share bonus.

- Permanent, full-time position with long-term career progression.

- Support with further qualifications and professional training, including SMSTS.

- Life insurance covering three times annual salary.

- Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution.

- 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

- Retail discount scheme.

- Regular salary reviews.

- The opportunity to apply your QS and commercial management expertise to prestigious, high-value residential, commercial and heritage projects.

- The chance to join an established specialist contractor with a long history and a strong reputation for quality.