Pre - Construction Lead QS
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.
Key Responsibilities 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 Apply Now If you are a commercially astute leader looking to take ownership of pre-construction financial performance and drive excellence across a portfolio of projects, we’d love to hear from you.
Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK. Here at United Infrastructure, we invest in our people and firmly believe that our workforce is our most valuable asset. A driving force for success and the core to achieving our vision of creating a connected and sustainable future, our team is the heart of our organisation.
Are you looking to be part of an exciting journey within an evolving business? Want to learn something new, every single day? Then you’ve come to the right place. Introduce yourself to our recruiters and we'll get in touch if there's a role that seems like a good match. A fast-paced, diverse, and hugely ambitious business, we welcome challengers, innovators and people who embrace change.
Establish yourself in a creative environment that champions freedom of expression, and supports you in your personal and professional development – because together, we achieve more. Ready to take the next step in your career? United Infrastructure operates a direct sourcing model and does not accept speculative CVs from recruitment agencies.
Any CVs submitted without prior agreement will be considered a gift and the candidate will be deemed to have been introduced directly. No fees will be payable in these circumstances
