Freelance Quantity Surveyor

Sphere Solutions • Temporary / Short-term • Birmingham, West Midlands (County), GB • £37 - £46 / hour • 1w ago

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.

The role requires a commercially focused professional with refurbishment expertise, particularly in projects involving retained façades, heritage features, and structural interventions in constrained urban environments.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Cost Management

Develop, monitor, and manage project cost plans, forecasts, and cashflows.
Prepare accurate monthly CVRs, cost reports, and commercial dashboards for senior management.
Track commercial performance and propose corrective actions to maintain project margin.

Procurement

Lead the procurement of specialist subcontractors, including structural steelwork, façade restoration, MEP, and interior fit‑out packages.
Prepare tender documentation, manage tender processes, evaluate returns, and recommend awards.

Subcontract & Contract Administration

Manage subcontractor accounts throughout the project, including payments, variations, and final accounts.
Ensure compliance with JCT contract requirements and maintain robust commercial documentation.
Issue notices and maintain clear commercial communication to protect contractual positions.

Change Management

Identify, value, and negotiate variations arising from complex structural works, design development, heritage requirements, or unforeseen existing‑building conditions.
Maintain detailed change logs and ensure accurate forecasting of cost impacts.

Project & Stakeholder Interface

Work closely with the project team, design consultants, conservation specialists, and the client QS.
Attend project meetings and present commercial updates as required.
Build strong working relationships with supply chain partners and internal teams.

Cut‑and‑Carve / Heritage Refurbishment Expertise

Provide commercial insight on:
- Structural alterations, temporary works, and load transfer strategies.
- Restoration of period detailing including stonework, façades, joinery, and ornamental features.
- Construction of new fifth‑floor steel extension and roof terrace.
- Programme impacts linked to complex sequencing, enabling works, and city‑centre logistical constraints.

Skills & Experience

Essential

Proven experience on cut‑and‑carve, refurbishment, or heritage-led projects (£10m+).
Strong understanding of structural reconfigurations, temporary works, and façade retention.
Competent in procurement, measurement, change control, and subcontract management.
Strong contract knowledge (JCT), especially regarding variations and contractual notices.
Advanced Excel skills and experience with cost management software (e.g., COINS, Causeway, Viewpoint).

Desirable

Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline.
Working toward or holding RICS accreditation.
Experience delivering extensions or vertical build‑ups in constrained urban sites.

Personal Attributes

Methodical, detail-driven, and commercially astute.
Strong negotiation and communication skills.
Able to work autonomously while supporting a collaborative site team.
Calm under pressure with the ability to manage complex, fast-moving project environmen