Quantity Surveyor / Project Manager (Manchester, ENG)

We’re working with an established, independent property and construction consultancy in Manchester that is looking to make a key appointment as it continues to broaden its service offering.

This is a little different from a conventional Quantity Surveyor position.

The consultancy already has an established reputation across Project Management, Development Management, Development Monitoring and Building Surveying, working directly with developers, investors and occupiers on projects throughout the UK.

They are now looking for a Quantity Surveyor with broader Project Management capability who can strengthen the commercial side of the business while also getting involved in the wider delivery of projects.

The longer-term opportunity is particularly interesting. Rather than joining an established QS department with several layers above you, there is scope for the right person to help shape and grow the consultancy’s Quantity Surveying offering, develop client relationships and potentially build a team around them as that side of the business expands.

For the right individual, there is also the opportunity to discuss early equity within the business.

The Consultancy

This is a small, experienced and director-led consultancy, rather than a large corporate practice.

The senior team has extensive experience across the UK property market and remains directly involved with clients and projects. The business has deliberately built its reputation around providing commercially focused advice and maintaining close, long-standing client relationships.

Its work covers a varied portfolio including:

• Commercial & workplace

• Residential / Build to Rent

• PBSA

• Industrial & logistics

• Retail & leisure

• Hotels

• Refurbishment & repositioning of existing assets

• New-build development

Projects range from major city-centre refurbishment and workplace schemes through to new-build industrial developments and large residential programmes.

It means you’re not joining to work repeatedly on one project type or sit within a narrow service line. You’ll have exposure to different clients, sectors and stages of development, working closely with the senior team and having direct visibility across the business.

The Role

The position would suit someone who has developed their career predominantly within Quantity Surveying / Cost Management, but is comfortable operating beyond a traditional QS remit.

You’ll work directly with clients, consultants and contractors, providing commercial advice while also helping coordinate and manage projects through their lifecycle.

Responsibilities include:

• Cost planning, estimating and budget management

• Procurement and tendering

• Contract administration and commercial management

• Cost reporting and forecasting

• Managing variations, valuations and final accounts

• Supporting projects from feasibility and pre-construction through to completion

• Coordinating consultant and contractor teams

• Programme, risk and project reporting

• Attending and leading client and project meetings

• Providing clear commercial advice directly to clients

• Supporting wider Project Management commissions where required

• Developing existing client relationships and identifying opportunities for the QS service

• Helping establish and grow the consultancy’s Quantity Surveying capability

What They’re Looking For

The personality and commercial approach are just as important as the technical background.

You’ll need to be confident and comfortable in front of clients, able to take ownership of your work and comfortable operating within a smaller consultancy where roles are naturally broader.

Ideally, you’ll have:

• Consultancy-side Quantity Surveying / Cost Management experience

• Experience delivering projects through multiple stages

• Good commercial and contractual knowledge

• Exposure to Project Management or broader project delivery responsibilities

• Strong client-facing and communication skills

• The confidence to manage your own workload and client relationships

• An interest in helping develop and grow a service line rather than simply inheriting an established role

• MRICS or progress towards Chartership would be advantageous, but the overall experience and fit are more important

Why Consider It?

You’ll be joining a close-knit consultancy where the Directors remain involved in the day-to-day business, meaning there is direct access to experienced people rather than multiple management layers.

You’ll have the opportunity to work across a genuinely varied property portfolio while taking ownership of client relationships and developing both your QS and Project Management experience.

Most importantly, this isn't intended to remain a standalone QS position. The ambition is to develop the Quantity Surveying offering further, giving the person joining now the opportunity to play a meaningful role in how that service grows.

For someone who ultimately wants to lead a team, develop clients and have a stake in the business they are helping to build, there is a clear route to do that.