Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor

Location: Essex
Salary: £70,000 – £80,000 per annum + Package
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Role

We are currently working with an established and growing Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) contractor seeking an experienced Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor to join their commercial team in Essex.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially experienced Quantity Surveyor with a strong mechanical background to join a reputable contractor offering a supportive working environment, a varied portfolio of projects and opportunities for long-term career progression.

The successful candidate will take a leading role in the commercial and financial management of mechanical installation projects across commercial and industrial environments, ensuring projects are delivered within budget while maximising profitability and maintaining contractual compliance.

You will work closely with Contracts Managers, Mechanical Project Managers, Site Managers and senior management, taking ownership of commercial activities from initial contract award through to final account.

Our client is looking for a proactive and commercially astute individual who can confidently manage multiple projects, negotiate with clients and subcontractors, identify commercial opportunities and support the development of junior members of the commercial team.

Key Responsibilities

• Take overall responsibility for the commercial management of mechanical installation projects from initial contract award through to completion and final account.

• Manage project budgets, cost control, financial forecasting and commercial reporting to ensure projects remain profitable.

• Prepare, review and submit interim valuations, payment applications and supporting contractual documentation.

• Identify, value, negotiate and manage variations, additional works and contractual changes.

• Prepare accurate monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts and cost-to-complete assessments.

• Oversee the measurement and valuation of mechanical installations, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, pipework, plant rooms and associated mechanical building services.

• Lead subcontractor procurement, including preparing tender packages, reviewing quotations, negotiating commercial terms and placing subcontract orders.

• Manage subcontractor accounts, including payment applications, variations, valuations and final account negotiations.

• Work closely with Mechanical Project Managers and Contracts Managers to monitor project performance, identify commercial risks and implement appropriate solutions.

• Review and manage contractual obligations, ensuring compliance with agreed terms and conditions.

• Lead the preparation, negotiation and agreement of final accounts.

• Maintain accurate commercial records, including variations, valuations, purchase orders, cost reports and contractual correspondence.

• Attend and lead commercial meetings with clients, consultants, main contractors and internal stakeholders.

• Identify opportunities to improve commercial efficiency, minimise costs and maximise project profitability.

• Oversee project cash flow and ensure timely submission and recovery of payments.

• Support the preparation of tenders, cost plans and commercial proposals where required.

• Provide regular commercial updates to senior management, highlighting financial performance, risks and opportunities.

• Mentor and support Assistant Quantity Surveyors and junior commercial team members.

• Contribute to the development and improvement of commercial procedures and reporting processes.

• Maintain strong working relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors to support successful project delivery.

Experience & Qualifications

• Proven experience working as a Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor or an experienced Mechanical Quantity Surveyor ready to progress into a senior position.

• Strong background within mechanical contracting or M&E building services.

• Demonstrable experience managing the commercial aspects of mechanical installation projects from contract award through to final account.

• Excellent technical understanding of mechanical installations, including HVAC, heating, ventilation, plumbing, pipework, plant rooms and associated building services.

• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, particularly JCT and/or NEC forms of contract.

• Proven experience preparing valuations, managing variations, negotiating subcontractor accounts and agreeing final accounts.

• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to manage budgets, financial forecasting, cost reporting and project profitability.

• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining financial and contractual control.

• Strong subcontractor procurement, tendering and negotiation experience.

• Ability to read and interpret mechanical drawings, technical specifications, bills of quantities and contractual documentation.

• Experience identifying and managing commercial risks and contractual disputes.

• Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Strong communication, negotiation and leadership skills with the ability to build positive relationships with clients and project teams.

• Experience mentoring or supporting junior Quantity Surveyors would be advantageous.

• Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workloads and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel, and relevant commercial management software.

• A degree, HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline would be advantageous.

• Professional membership of RICS or working towards chartership would be beneficial but is not essential.

• Full UK driving licence preferred.

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary of £70,000 – £80,000 per annum, dependent on experience.

• Additional company benefits package.

• Full-time, permanent employment offering long-term stability.

• Opportunity to take commercial ownership of a variety of mechanical installation projects.

• Supportive and professional working environment with an experienced management team.

• Opportunities for ongoing professional development and career progression.

• Opportunity to mentor junior members of the commercial team and contribute to their development.

• Direct involvement in commercial decision-making and the financial success of projects.

• Join an established contractor with a strong pipeline of upcoming projects.

• Potential progression into Commercial Manager or senior leadership positions.

About the Company

Our client is an established M&E contractor providing mechanical and electrical installation services across a range of sectors.

The business has developed a strong reputation for delivering reliable, high-quality installations while maintaining a professional and collaborative approach to project delivery.

With a continued focus on growth and developing long-term client relationships, the company is looking to strengthen its commercial team with an experienced Senior Mechanical Quantity Surveyor.

The business values individuals who take ownership of their responsibilities, demonstrate strong commercial awareness and contribute positively to the continued development of the company.