Lead Quantity Surveyor

About us

The British Energy Security Strategy set out the Government’s ambition to connect up to 50GW of offshore generation to the electricity network by 2030. Delivering this ambition requires significant reinforcement of the onshore electricity transmission network and National Grid Strategic Infrastructure is leading the way.

At National Grid, we connect homes and businesses to power, ensuring supply and demand are balanced every second of every day. From schools and hospitals to sporting arenas, we keep the lights on for millions of people across the UK.

We are recruiting for a Lead Quantity Surveyor to join our commercial team on the Western Link (WL2) project. Western Link 2 will transport electricity via a High Voltage Direct Current (HVDC) subsea cable from Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland, to a landfall location on the Gwynedd coastline. This role offers hybrid working with travel to Edinburgh, Warwick, London or Manchester and project sites in Pentir and Kilmarnock. We’re happy to discuss flexible working arrangements to make this role work for you. This role comes with a job requirement car.

What You'll Do

As a Lead Quantity Surveyor, you'll take ownership of the commercial and contractual management of a major project valued at over £500m ensuring robust cost control, effective contract administration and successful project delivery throughout the project lifecycle.

You will:

• Lead all pre-contract and post-contract commercial activities across a large-scale project portfolio.
• Act as the lead commercial representative, providing expert advice on contract management, commercial strategy, contract options, budget estimates, risks and contingency allowances.
• Support and integrate with procurement activities alongside the Contracts and Commercial Manager.
• Ensure the quality assurance of construction contracts and maintain accurate contractor commercial records.
• Provide commercial and contractual guidance, coaching and support to project teams.
• Oversee contractor cost management, ensuring costs are accurately monitored and effectively controlled.
• Attend contract risk reviews and promote strong risk management practices across the project team.
• Ensure contract compliance and deliver effective contract administration throughout the project lifecycle.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and develop, maintain and challenge cost forecasts.
• Track, review and challenge contractor performance against agreed KPIs.
• Draft and manage all relevant contract notices and maintain high-quality communications between the Client/Employer and Contractors/Suppliers.
• Produce and administer contract documentation, including valuations, payment recommendations, instructions and formal communications.
• Lead the assessment and negotiation of variations and compensation events.
• Support dispute avoidance, escalation and resolution processes where required.
• Mentor and support Graduate, Assistant and Quantity Surveyors, helping to develop capability across the team.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with Project Managers, Planners, Accountants, Operational teams, Procurement, Legal, Regulatory colleagues and external contractors.

About You

This is a senior role where you'll lead the commercial management of a major project comprising multiple sub-projects. We're looking for an experienced Quantity Surveying professional who can demonstrate both technical expertise and strong stakeholder management skills.

You will have:

• Proven experience delivering multiple projects and leading contract and commercial management activities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Strong experience in stakeholder engagement, risk management, tendering, procurement and commercial negotiations.
• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Construction Law or a related discipline, together with significant relevant experience working as a Quantity Surveyor on large-scale projects.
• A thorough understanding of NEC4 contracts, including Options A, C and E, and experience working with FIDIC Silver Book contracts.
• Experience working on major infrastructure projects and within Joint Venture environments (desirable).
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills and the ability to influence and engage a wide range of stakeholders.
• A full UK driving licence and the ability to travel as required.

What You'll Get

A competitive salary of £65,000 - £76,000 per annum, depending on capability. This role also comes with an annual £3,000 market supplement.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 2nd of November at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary.

We work towards the highest standards in everything we do, including how we support, value and develop our people. Our aim is to encourage and support employees to thrive and be the best they can be. We celebrate the difference people can bring into our organisation, and welcome and encourage applicants with diverse experiences and backgrounds, and offer flexible and tailored support, at home and in the office.

We're committed to building a workforce that represents the communities we serve, and a working environment in which each individual feels valued, respected, fairly treated, and able to reach their full potential.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.