Job Summary
A Quantity Surveyor is responsible for managing all cost-related aspects of construction projects, including quantity take-offs, cost estimation, budgeting, valuation, contract administration, and financial monitoring to ensure projects are completed within approved budgets and contractual requirements.
The role supports commercial control, cost efficiency, and financial performance throughout the project lifecycle while ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and company procedures.
Typically reports to the Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager, or Project Manager.
Job Description
The Quantity Surveyor prepares cost estimates, measures quantities, evaluates subcontractor payments, manages variations, monitors project costs, and supports contractual and commercial administration activities.
This role requires strong knowledge of construction contracts, BOQ preparation, quantity measurement standards, cost control procedures, and commercial management practices within construction projects.
Core Responsibilities
1. Quantity Take-Off & Measurement
- Prepare quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications
- Verify quantities for civil, structural, architectural, and MEP works
- Measure completed work for valuation purposes
- Review subcontractor quantity submissions
- Ensure accuracy of BOQ quantities and measurements
2. Cost Estimation & Budgeting
- Prepare project cost estimates and budget analysis
- Assist in tender pricing and commercial evaluations
- Analyze labor, material, and equipment costs
- Support preparation of cash flow forecasts
- Monitor project cost performance against budget
3. Contract Administration
- Review contract documents, BOQs, and specifications
- Administer subcontract agreements and payment terms
- Interpret contractual clauses and commercial obligations
- Assist in claims preparation and variation management
- Maintain records of contractual correspondence
4. Valuation & Payment Certification
- Prepare interim payment applications
- Evaluate subcontractor payment claims
- Verify completed work quantities before certification
- Monitor payment status and financial progress
- Assist in final account preparation and settlement
5. Variation & Claims Management
- Identify variation works and cost impacts
- Prepare variation orders and supporting documentation
- Monitor approved and pending variations
- Assist in extension of time (EOT) and claim evaluations
- Track commercial risks and financial exposure
6. Cost Control & Reporting
- Monitor project expenditures and cost trends
- Prepare commercial reports and cost analysis
- Track committed costs and forecast final project costs
- Identify cost-saving opportunities and commercial risks
- Support management in financial decision-making
7. Coordination & Communication
- Coordinate with Project Managers, Engineers, Procurement, and Finance teams
- Attend commercial and progress meetings
- Liaise with consultants, clients, and subcontractors
- Support technical and procurement teams with commercial evaluations
- Provide commercial advice to project management
Required Skills & Competencies
- Strong knowledge of quantity surveying and cost management principles
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and BOQs
- Knowledge of FIDIC and construction contract administration
- Familiarity with construction costing and valuation procedures
- Strong analytical and numerical skills
- Proficiency in Excel and quantity surveying software
- Understanding of tendering and procurement processes
- Strong negotiation and communication skills
- Attention to detail and commercial awareness
- Ability to manage multiple commercial tasks under deadlines
Reporting Structure Example
Commercial Manager / Contracts Manager / Project Manager
→ Quantity Surveyor
→ Assistant Quantity Surveyor
→ Quantity Surveying Support Staff
Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
- Accuracy of quantity take-offs and valuations
- Cost variance against project budget
- Timely submission of payment applications
- Variation order recovery rate
- Profit margin performance
- Accuracy of cost forecasting
- Reduction in unapproved variations
- Timely closure of subcontractor accounts
- Claims success and recovery rate
- Commercial reporting accuracy and timeliness