Project Director Quantity Surveyor (Cambridge, ENG)

Vertical Recruitment is working with a leading, rapidly expanding multidisciplinary construction consultancy to appoint an experienced Project Director Quantity Surveyor to join its senior Infrastructure leadership team.

Our client delivers specialist commercial management, cost consultancy and project management services across some of the UK's most significant infrastructure programmes, with a strong presence in the Energy, Utilities, Nuclear and Critical National Infrastructure sectors.

Due to continued growth across the South and East of England, they are seeking a commercially driven leader to play a pivotal role in delivering major infrastructure programmes while helping shape the future growth of the business.

This is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced senior commercial professional looking to influence strategy, develop high-performing teams and work directly with major clients on nationally significant projects.

The Role

Reporting into the Infrastructure leadership team, you will provide strategic commercial leadership across a portfolio of complex infrastructure programmes while supporting the continued growth of the commercial function throughout the Southern region.

You'll combine hands-on project delivery with senior leadership responsibilities, acting as a trusted NEC advisor, developing client relationships, mentoring teams and supporting business development initiatives.

As the business continues to expand across the East of England, North West and South, this role offers the opportunity to influence long-term strategy, grow regional capability and play an integral part in the future success of the consultancy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial delivery across major infrastructure, energy and utilities programmes.

• Act as the senior commercial lead and trusted advisor to key client stakeholders.

• Provide expert guidance across NEC3 and NEC4 contracts.

• Deliver commercial management services including cost advice, forecasting, valuations, reporting, change management, claims and final accounts.

• Establish and maintain robust commercial governance across multiple projects and portfolios.

• Lead and develop a high-performing team of Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers.

• Mentor and support the professional development of junior and senior team members.

• Drive business development through client engagement, bids, proposals and framework opportunities.

• Contribute to strategic business planning, including regional growth, resource planning and financial performance.

• Ensure projects are delivered safely, profitably, on programme and in accordance with contractual obligations.

• Identify commercial risks and implement proactive mitigation strategies.

• Champion continuous improvement and commercial best practice across the business.

About You

We're looking for an experienced commercial leader with a proven track record of delivering complex infrastructure programmes and developing successful client relationships.

Essential Experience

• Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) or equivalent professional accreditation.

• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.

• Approximately 10-15 years' experience within Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management.

• Significant experience operating at Senior Commercial Manager, Associate Director or Commercial Project Director level.

• Extensive NEC3 and NEC4 contract experience.

• Strong background within Infrastructure, Utilities, Energy, Nuclear or other major capital delivery environments.

• Demonstrable experience leading commercial teams and managing complex stakeholder relationships.

• Commercially astute with strong business development capabilities.

• Excellent leadership, communication and negotiation skills.

• Comfortable operating with autonomy within a client-facing leadership position.

• Existing industry network within infrastructure or utilities would be advantageous.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead commercial delivery on nationally significant infrastructure programmes.

• Key leadership role within a rapidly growing consultancy.

• Direct exposure to major clients and complex, high-value projects.

• Opportunity to shape the growth of the commercial function across the Southern region.

• Clear pathway towards Director and Board-level leadership.

• Hybrid working with genuine flexibility.

• Ongoing professional development and leadership support.

• Private healthcare, pension and comprehensive benefits package.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

Key Project

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on some of the UK's largest infrastructure investment programmes, including major energy transmission, utilities and capital delivery frameworks supporting the UK's transition to net zero.

This includes involvement in nationally significant schemes such as major electricity network upgrades, helping to modernise critical infrastructure, connect renewable energy sources and support long-term investment across the UK's energy network.