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 ResponsibilitiesCommercial 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.