Freelance Quantity Surveyor
23 days ago
Birmingham
My client is looking for an experienced Quantity Surveyor to support the commercial delivery of a complex £19m cut‑and‑carve refurbishment project in Birmingham. The scheme involves the sensitive restoration of existing period architecture while undertaking significant structural reconfiguration, including the construction of a new fifth‑floor office extension and a contemporary roof terrace.\n\nThe role requires a commercially focused professional with refurbishment expertise, particularly in projects involving retained façades, heritage features, and structural interventions in constrained urban environments.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nCommercial & Cost Management\n\n * Develop, monitor, and manage project cost plans, forecasts, and cashflows.\n\n * Prepare accurate monthly CVRs, cost reports, and commercial dashboards for senior management.\n\n * Track commercial performance and propose corrective actions to maintain project margin.\n\nProcurement\n\n * Lead the procurement of specialist subcontractors, including structural steelwork, façade restoration, MEP, and interior fit‑out packages.\n\n * Prepare tender documentation, manage tender processes, evaluate returns, and recommend awards.\n\nSubcontract & Contract Administration\n\n * Manage subcontractor accounts throughout the project, including payments, variations, and final accounts.\n\n * Ensure compliance with JCT contract requirements and maintain robust commercial documentation.\n\n * Issue notices and maintain clear commercial communication to protect contractual positions.\n\nChange Management\n\n * Identify, value, and negotiate variations arising from complex structural works, design development, heritage requirements, or unforeseen existing‑building conditions.\n\n * Maintain detailed change logs and ensure accurate forecasting of cost impacts.\n\nProject & Stakeholder Interface\n\n * Work closely with the project team, design consultants, conservation specialists, and the client QS.\n\n * Attend project meetings and present commercial updates as required.\n\n * Build strong working relationships with supply chain partners and internal teams.\n\nCut‑and‑Carve / Heritage Refurbishment Expertise\n\n * Provide commercial insight on:\n\n * Structural alterations, temporary works, and load transfer strategies.\n\n * Restoration of period detailing including stonework, façades, joinery, and ornamental features.\n\n * Construction of new fifth‑floor steel extension and roof terrace.\n\n * Programme impacts linked to complex sequencing, enabling works, and city‑centre logistical constraints.\n\nSkills & Experience\n\nEssential\n\n * Proven experience on cut‑and‑carve, refurbishment, or heritage-led projects (£10m+).\n\n * Strong understanding of structural reconfigurations, temporary works, and façade retention.\n\n * Competent in procurement, measurement, change control, and subcontract management.\n\n * Strong contract knowledge (JCT), especially regarding variations and contractual notices.\n\n * Advanced Excel skills and experience with cost management software (e.g., COINS, Causeway, Viewpoint).\n\nDesirable\n\n * Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.\n\n * Working toward or holding RICS accreditation.\n\n * Experience delivering extensions or vertical build‑ups in constrained urban sites.\n\nPersonal Attributes\n\n * Methodical, detail-driven, and commercially astute.\n\n * Strong negotiation and communication skills.\n\n * Able to work autonomously while supporting a collaborative site team.\n\n * Calm under pressure with the ability to manage complex, fast-moving project environmen