What are the main duties of a Quantity Surveyor? | TRS Job Profiles
Quantity Surveyor Job Profile
The Quantity Surveying (QS) world is constantly changing.
Now more than ever, it’s crucial to demonstrate to recruiters that you understand the role’s evolution and are on top of breakthroughs in AI and the usage of cloud-based platforms.
Quantity Surveyors are indispensable strategic professionals responsible for driving complex projects' financial and operational success. Whether working on renewable infrastructure, within oil & gas, manufacturing, or something different, your skills and expertise as a QS in are in great demand.
Cost Management & Estimation
- Prepare cost estimates, bills of quantities, and pricing for change orders.
- Develop and manage project budgets, ensuring alignment with scope and client expectations.
- Monitor and maintain cost ledgers and financial records.
- Evaluate and negotiate variations and change orders with contractors and clients.
- Provide input for contract cost forecasts and financial planning.
Measurement & Valuation
- Measure quantities from client design drawings (e.g., earthworks, underground services, reinforced concrete).
- Confirm quantities for progress claims and invoice verification.
- Maintain accurate field measurement notes, including calculations and assumptions.
- Coordinate and schedule measurement activities with construction teams.
Procurement & Subcontractor Management
- Procure materials such as pipework, chambers, and pumps.
- Manage subcontractor orders and associated documentation.
- Support contract administrators in evaluating contractor proposals and change requests.
Contract Administration & Change Management
- Assist in the preparation and evaluation of contract change documents (e.g., RCAs, PCAs).
- Liaise with contract administrators and project controls staff on change management.
- Monitor and track project cost alerts and contractual commitments.
- 🧾 Reporting & Documentation
- Prepare monthly client applications and financial reports.
- Regularly report and forecast project costs to senior stakeholders.
- Compile historical data and conduct key quantity analysis.
Stakeholder & Team Collaboration
- Liaise with engineering, contracts, construction, and project management teams.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key clients.
- Support discussions and negotiations with contractors.
- Manage and mentor junior and intermediate quantity surveyors.
Site & Project Oversight
- Conduct regular site visits and inspections to assess progress and quality.
- Ensure cash flow is maintained and risks/opportunities are managed.
Qualifications, Skills, and Qualities
We've broken down some skills and experience based on seniority so you know more about career prospects.
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Entry Level
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
Some roles may accept a Higher National Diploma (HND) with relevant experience.
Working toward professional accreditation (e.g., RICS APC, AIQS, CIQS, etc.).
Skills:
Basic understanding of construction methods and materials.
Strong numerical and analytical skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and basic cost estimation software.
Good written and verbal communication.
Attention to detail and organizational skills.
Willingness to learn and adapt on-site and in-office.
Qualities:
Curiosity and eagerness to learn – Open to new knowledge, tools, and methods.
- Attention to detail – Careful with measurements, calculations, and documentation.
- Reliability – Shows up on time, meets deadlines, and follows through on tasks.
- Team player – Works well under supervision and collaborates effectively.
- Adaptability – Comfortable with changing environments, especially on-site.
- Integrity – Honest and ethical in handling data and costs.
Professional Level
Qualifications:
Full membership or chartered status with a recognized body (e.g., MRICS, AIQS, CIQS).
- Several years of practical experience (typically 3–5 years).
- Continued professional development (CPD) in areas like contract law, procurement, and cost planning.
Skills:
Advanced cost estimation and budgeting.
- Contract administration and tendering.
- Risk management and value engineering.
- Strong negotiation and stakeholder management.
- Familiarity with industry-standard software (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam, CATO).
- Ability to manage multiple projects and mentor junior staff.
Qualities:
- Analytical thinking – Able to assess costs, risks, and value with precision.
- Communication skills – Clear in presenting findings and negotiating with stakeholders.
- Problem-solving mindset – Finds practical solutions to cost and contract issues.
- Confidence – Comfortable making decisions and advising clients or contractors.
- Professionalism – Maintains high standards in conduct and documentation.
Senior Level
Qualifications:
Extensive industry experience (typically 8–10+ years).
Chartered status is usually essential.
Leadership or management training is often beneficial.
Skills:
Strategic cost planning and lifecycle costing.
High-level contract negotiation and dispute resolution.
Team leadership and project oversight.
Business development and client relationship management.
Deep understanding of construction law and commercial risk.
Ability to influence project outcomes and drive profitability.
Qualities:
Leadership – Inspires and guides teams, mentors junior staff.
Strategic thinking – Sees the bigger picture and aligns cost strategies with business goals.
Resilience – Handles pressure, conflict, and setbacks with composure.
Influence and persuasion – Builds trust and drives decisions with clients and stakeholders.
Vision – Anticipates industry trends and positions the business accordingly.
Ethical judgment – Upholds integrity in high-stakes commercial decisions.
The future of quantity surveying is shaped by several trends.
Emerging technologies like AI and Building Information Modelling (BIM) are enhancing efficiency and accuracy; developing nations present growth opportunities due to urban investment, while developed nations prioritise sustainability and compliance.
The demand for green building projects is also expected to substantially rise, with significant market growth forecasted. Debates surrounding whether AI will enhance rather than replace jobs are present in the industry, along with discussions on the in-demand soft skills and hard skills professionals need to develop to stay ahead of the game.
Bringing your expertise and background to a Quantity Surveyor role sourced by TRS will see you applying advanced analytical techniques to assess project viability, optimise resource allocation, and enhance overall project efficiency. If you’re seeking career advancement, our roles are the way forward.
Quantity Surveyor FAQs
Quantity Surveyors are crucial to many industries because they’re the go-to professionals when it comes to managing project costs and ensuring that projects are completed within time and budget constraints.
As a Quantity Surveyor, you’ll provide expert advice on construction costs, contracts, and procurement, which helps clients and contractors make informed financial decisions throughout any project's lifecycle.
In summary, Quantity Surveyors are vital because they play a key role in achieving successful and cost-effective construction outcomes.
People may be drawn to QS roles because they offer the opportunity to play an essential part in shaping construction projects from start to finish. If you enjoy playing a huge role in major developments while making key financial decisions, this is the job for you.
The following people may also be suited to these careers:
- Those with strong numerical and analytical skills
- Those with a keen eye for detail
- Those with a passion for working with data and solving problems
- Those who enjoy negotiation, effective communication, and teamwork
