Pre - Construction Lead QS

Dartford Source: WhatJobs
£90,000–£120,000

We are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Lead Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of the pre-construction commercial function across a diverse portfolio of projects.

This is a key leadership position responsible for managing a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors, driving commercial governance, and ensuring the integrity of budgeting, cost planning, and CVR reporting across the division. You will play a critical role in shaping early-stage project success, influencing procurement strategy, and ensuring robust financial control throughout the pre-construction lifecycle.

Commercial Leadership & Governance

  • Lead and manage the pre-construction commercial function, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and control across all projects
  • Own and oversee divisional budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasting
  • Establish and maintain robust commercial processes, controls, and reporting standards

CVR & Financial Management

  • Take full accountability for the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process across the pre-construction portfolio
  • Ensure timely, accurate reporting of cost position, risks, opportunities, and forecast outcomes
  • Challenge assumptions, cost movements, and commercial risks to protect business margins
  • Provide clear financial reporting and insight to senior leadership

Team Leadership & Development

  • Manage, mentor, and develop a team of Assistant Quantity Surveyors
  • Set objectives, monitor performance, and support professional development
  • Ensure appropriate resource allocation and workload balance across projects

Cost Planning & Pre-Construction Support

  • Lead the development and validation of detailed cost plans and budgets
  • Support bid and tender processes, ensuring competitive and commercially sound submissions
  • Drive value engineering initiatives and cost optimisation strategies
  • Work closely with design and pre-construction teams to ensure alignment between scope and budget

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

  • Oversee pre-construction procurement strategies and package scoping
  • Support early supply chain engagement to inform pricing, risk management, and buildability
  • Ensure compliance with procurement governance and commercial best practice

Risk & Opportunity Management

  • Identify, manage, and report commercial risks and opportunities across all schemes
  • Ensure risk allowances, contingencies, and commercial positions are robust and defensible
  • Support mitigation strategies to protect cost certainty and programme outcomes

Stakeholder Engagement

  • Act as a key commercial interface with internal teams, clients, and supply chain partners
  • Present commercial updates and financial positions to senior stakeholders
  • Support collaborative working across design, construction, and operational teams

About You

  • Proven experience in a Quantity Surveying role , ideally within pre-construction
  • Strong knowledge of CVR processes, cost planning, and budget management
  • Experience managing and developing commercial teams
  • Skilled in commercial strategy, risk management, and financial reporting
  • Excellent communication, leadership, and stakeholder management capabilities
  • Experience within (construction / cladding remediation / main contracting) is highly desirable

What We Offer

  • Competitive salary and benefits package
  • Opportunity to lead a critical commercial function within a growing division
  • Clear career progression and leadership exposure
  • A collaborative, high-performing team environment

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Full job description from WhatJobs. Apply for this role →

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