Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Purpose of the role

At Colas Ltd, we have an exciting opportunity for an Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our Commercial team based at our Bescot office, WS1 4NL. You will support the Commercial team in the successful financial and commercial management of the Area 9 Maintenance & Response Contract, helping to deliver essential highways maintenance services. You will assist with cost and value reconciliation, financial reporting, pricing new works and managing subcontractor packages, ensuring commercial activities are completed accurately, efficiently and in accordance with contractual requirements. Working closely with the Quantity Surveyor and wider project team, you will help monitor project performance, identify commercial risks and opportunities, and ensure works are delivered in line with Colas’ governance, policies and procedures.

Main Responsibilities

As an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, you will support the Quantity Surveyor with the day-to-day commercial management of the Area 9 Maintenance & Response Contract, assisting with cost control, budget management, forecasting and cost and value reconciliation to ensure accurate financial reporting. You will help prepare monthly commercial reports, price new works, develop quotations and rates, and support regional tender submissions. The role will also involve assisting with the procurement and management of subcontractor packages, administering contracts and payment applications, managing variations and compensation events, and supporting the preparation and agreement of final accounts. You will monitor work progress, maintain accurate commercial records, identify potential risks and opportunities, and work closely with project managers, operational teams, clients and subcontractors to ensure works are delivered in line with contractual requirements. You will also contribute to continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring all commercial activities comply with Colas’ policies, procedures and governance standards.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a motivated and commercially minded individual with 1–5 years’ relevant experience in quantity surveying or construction. You will ideally hold, or be working towards, a degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, with an understanding of construction contracts, particularly NEC. You will have strong numerical, analytical, communication and organisational skills, with the ability to manage deadlines and build effective working relationships. A proactive approach to problem-solving and a commitment to health and safety, quality and continuous improvement are essential. Experience with estimating software such as Causeway or Candy would be advantageous. You should also be willing to work towards relevant professional membership (RICS, CIOB or ICES) and hold, or be prepared to obtain, a CSCS card.