Pre - Construction Lead QS

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure - Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK's largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance. Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know - we want this to be the best possible experience for you. 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. 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
  
  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
  
  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
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.