Principal Quantity Surveyor

This Principal Quantity Surveyor position in Reading offers a competitive salary of up to £86,000 annually, dependent upon experience. The full‑time post involves leading a team of surveyors to support major projects and programmes during AMP8 at Thames Water. Responsibilities encompass overseeing a contractor programme valued at up to £200m each year, providing commercial assurance and contractual guidance to delivery teams.

The successful applicant will manage cost control against budgets, identifying commercial risks early and reporting on contingency. Team management and professional development of members form a key aspect. Strong skills in contract administration, cost management, and leadership are essential for this senior role.

We are thrilled to offer a Principal Quantity Surveyor an extraordinary opportunity to lead a dedicated team of Quantity Surveyors essential to supporting the successful delivery of Major Projects and Programme in AMP8 at Thames Water. You will oversee a contractor programme value of up to £200m per annum in AMP8, playing a vital role in helping us deliver life’s essential service to customers.

• Providing Commercial Assurance of Major Projects and Programmes Contracts.
• Providing Contractual advice and guidance to the delivery teams.
• Ensure cost management against the budget, highlighting commercial challenges early, including managing and reporting on contingency/risk.
• Management and development of Team Members, including their progression towards chartership.
• Accountable for ensuring that the team carries out the following:
  • Challenging and agreeing on Project Tenders.
  • Ensuring that payments are made on time and in accordance with the Contract.
  • Assessing the Quantum of Change and/or Extension of Time.
  • Data Collection of Projects.
  • Auditing and agreeing on Project Accounts.
  • Ensuring that appropriate processes are in place and monitored for your Delivery Area to ensure that Contractual Compliance is maintained, and act as the first point of escalation should any non‑performance be identified and corrective actions implemented as necessary.
• Supporting procurement by ensuring Suppliers and Contractors are engaged under the most appropriate terms and conditions.
• Provide commercial support during the procurement of the contracts, including assisting in preparing tender documents.
• Ensure we always maintain financial governance and provide expert input to financial and contract governance proposals.
• Advising and supporting the management and optimisation of budgets and spending on the portfolio of Projects.
• Supporting the Principal and Managing Quantity Surveyor with the resolution of Claims as necessary.

Base

Location:

Reading – Hybrid. Maple Lodge – Hybrid Working Pattern or hours: 36 Hours

• Hold a degree or a master’s in quantity surveying or equivalent.
• Have a background in working in the civil engineering sector, such as transportation, nuclear, utilities or similar fields.
• Be competent in line managing a small team and developing them to success.
• Experience in both pre & post contract quantity surveying duties.
• Strong Communication and negotiation skills are crucial, as well as the ability to bring numerous stakeholders together to bring opportunities to fruition.
• Self‑starter, resilient and tenacious under pressure.

• You will be a part of a highly professional Quantity Surveying team empowered to make decisions and responsible for all commercial aspects of their contracts.
• Competitive salary up to £86,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Annual Leave – 26 days holiday per year, increasing to 30 with the length of service. (plus bank holidays)
• Car…