Senior Quantity Surveyor

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join Vistry Southern at our Basingstoke office. This role involves leading the financial and contractual management of multiple construction projects within the Commercial, Estimating and Buying team. The successful candidate will oversee Quantity Surveying functions on assigned contracts, striving to optimize service quality and profitability, and provide comprehensive cost control and financial reporting across all construction activities.

Benefits

• Competitive base salary plus annual bonus
• Options of company car, car allowance, or travel allowance
• Salary sacrifice car scheme open to all employees
• Up to 39 days of annual leave plus bank holidays
• Two volunteering days each year
• Private medical insurance (employee funded coverage)
• Enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption leave
• Attractive pension scheme via salary sacrifice
• Life assurance at four times your annual salary
• Participation in share save and share incentive plans
• Christmas company shutdown period
• Access to a comprehensive employee rewards portal

Core Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor direct reports and the wider team, fostering development and growth
• Play an active role in recruitment and manage employee lifecycle, including conducting development reviews and succession planning
• Collaborate with Land, Development, and Construction departments; provide cost advice during design meetings
• Identify and advise on delays, extensions, and losses during projects, ensuring timely notifications
• Attend development, contract pre-start, and subcontract package review meetings as required
• Review contract documentation and drawings for errors or costly anomalies
• Assist with tender list preparation and procurement programming upon receipt of initial tender information
• Distribute tender documentation and conduct preliminary subcontractor checks
• Analyze construction costs and quotation responses, requesting further information if necessary
• Coordinate with Construction Director to assess site staffing, build programs, and establish start-on-site budgets
• Organize budget settlement meetings with commercial team support
• Create stage payment schedules to facilitate financing
• Conduct pre-order meetings including health and safety considerations; finalize tender sums and payment schedules
• Place subcontractor orders, negotiate contract sums within budgets, verify references, and manage costs for late variations
• Issue variation orders, provide cost guidance on major changes, and communicate revised contract drawings to subcontractors
• Monitor and reconcile contract costs including subcontract works, variations, materials, and running costs; provide monthly cost analyses
• Authorize subcontractor payments and finalize accounts ensuring budget compliance
• Prepare documentation for external valuations alongside client's agent
• Maintain biannual site reserve lists and manage subcontract orders adhering to standard employment terms
• Utilize the Vistry Group construction system for project administration tasks
• Assist in material review and valuation on-site
• Process and manage sales variation requests consistent with group procedures
• Classify construction system order amendments appropriately and ensure timely payment settlements
• Manage retention collections and releases according to company policy
• Complete and agree subcontract final accounts within six months post-completion
• Maintain final account schedules and completed development provisions on CV1
• Alert management to abnormal or long-term cost impacts
• Encourage proactive cost-saving measures across projects
• Mentor and develop assistant and junior surveyors ensuring efficient team operations
• Stay updated on legislative changes and participate in required trainings
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support wider teams

Required Qualifications and Skills

• HNC/HND in Surveying or equivalent qualification
• Previous experience as PQS, SQS, or Commercial lead within residential housebuilding (or similar roles/promotions)
• Solid understanding of building regulations, construction methods, and materials
• Strong mathematical and IT skills with the ability to analyze data effectively
• Sound business acumen with expertise in budget management and negotiation
• Excellent communication abilities and collaborative team working skills
• Detail-oriented with a methodical and accurate working style
• Ability to work under pressure and accept constructive feedback
• Willingness to work additional hours to meet business deadlines

Desirable Attributes

• Bachelor’s degree in Surveying or related discipline
• Progress towards membership of Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)

About Vistry Group

Vistry Group builds not just homes, but sustainable communities, fostering responsibility and quality. We operate leading brands including Bovis Homes, Linden Homes, and Countryside Homes, alongside manufacturing and support arms. We are proud members of the UK Green Building Council, a top five UK housebuilder, and recipients of multiple employer and workplace awards. Join us in shaping the future of residential construction.