Quantity Surveyor

Job Description:

1. JOB PURPOSE

The Quantity Surveyor is responsible for managing the commercial and contractual aspects of interior design, fit-out, renovation, and construction projects from tender stage through project completion.

The position ensures that projects are accurately measured, competitively priced, commercially controlled, and delivered within the approved budget while protecting the company's financial interests.

2. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Tendering & Estimation

• Review tender documents, drawings, specifications, BOQs, and scope of works.

• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and measurements.

• Identify project requirements, exclusions, assumptions, and potential commercial risks.

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender pricing.

• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors, suppliers, and manufacturers.

• Compare subcontractor and supplier quotations on a like-for-like basis.

• Negotiate competitive rates and commercial terms.

• Prepare tender comparison sheets and commercial recommendations.

• Assist in preparing final tender submissions and commercial proposals.

• Ensure all tender requirements and submission deadlines are met.

• Identify value-engineering opportunities without compromising quality or design intent.

B. Project Cost Control

• Establish and maintain project budgets and cost plans.

• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets.

• Track committed costs, actual costs, variations, and forecast costs.

• Prepare regular cost reports for management.

• Identify potential cost overruns at an early stage and recommend corrective action.

• Monitor subcontractor and supplier commitments.

• Maintain accurate records of project financial information.

• Assist the Project Manager in maintaining commercial control throughout the project.

C. Subcontractor & Supplier Management

• Prepare subcontractor and supplier enquiries based on approved project requirements.

• Review quotations, commercial conditions, exclusions, and qualifications.

• Negotiate prices, payment terms, warranties, delivery periods, and other commercial conditions.

• Prepare subcontractor comparison and recommendation reports.

• Assist in preparing subcontract agreements and purchase orders.

• Review subcontractor progress claims and supporting documents.

• Verify completed quantities before recommending payments.

• Monitor subcontractor variations and additional works.

• Maintain professional commercial relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.

D. Measurement & Valuation

• Prepare detailed measurements for architectural, civil, MEP, joinery, furniture, and fit-out works as applicable.

• Verify quantities against approved drawings and site conditions.

• Prepare interim valuations and payment applications.

• Assess subcontractor payment applications.

• Measure completed works and confirm quantities with site/project teams.

• Maintain updated quantity records throughout the project.

• Prepare final measurements and final accounts.

E. Variation & Change Management

• Identify variations, additional works, omissions, and design changes.

• Prepare detailed variation quotations and cost breakdowns.

• Review variation instructions and supporting documentation.

• Ensure variations are properly documented and approved before execution where possible.

• Maintain a variation register.

• Monitor the financial impact of approved and pending variations.

• Prepare claims for additional costs where contractually justified.

• Assist in negotiations with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.

F. Contract Administration

• Review contract conditions, commercial requirements, and payment terms.

• Monitor compliance with contractual obligations.

• Assist in preparing contractual notices and correspondence.

• Monitor project milestones, payment provisions, retention, warranties, and other commercial requirements.

• Identify contractual risks and advise management accordingly.

• Assist with extension-of-time and cost-related claims where required.

• Maintain proper records for contractual and commercial matters.

G. Payment & Final Account

• Prepare monthly client payment applications.

• Review consultant/client certification and payment status.

• Monitor accounts receivable and outstanding payments.

• Prepare subcontractor payment certifications.

• Track retention, advance payments, deductions, and recoveries.

• Prepare and negotiate final accounts.

• Ensure all commercial matters are closed before project completion.

H. Procurement Support

• Coordinate with the procurement team regarding project requirements.

• Review supplier quotations and commercial terms.

• Monitor material and subcontract procurement against the approved budget.

• Assist in identifying cost-effective alternatives.

• Monitor procurement commitments and their impact on project cash flow.

3. DOCUMENTATION & REPORTING

The QS shall maintain accurate and up-to-date records including:

• Tender BOQs

• Quantity take-offs

• Rate analysis

• Cost estimates

• Tender comparison sheets

• Subcontractor quotations

• Supplier quotations

• Project budgets

• Cost reports

• Variation registers

• Payment applications

• Interim valuations

• Subcontractor payment certificates

• Purchase orders

• Subcontract agreements

• Final accounts

• Claims and supporting documents

• Commercial correspondence

4. COORDINATION & COMMUNICATION

The Quantity Surveyor shall coordinate closely with:

• Managing Director / General Manager

• Commercial Manager

• Project Manager

• Project Engineers

• Design Team

• Procurement Team

• Site Team

• Finance Department

• Clients

• Consultants

• Subcontractors

• Suppliers

The QS must communicate commercial matters clearly and professionally and ensure that all financial and contractual information is properly documented.

5. REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree or Diploma in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related field.

• Professional QS certification is an advantage.

• Relevant UAE/GCC experience is preferred.

• Experience in interior design, fit-out, refurbishment, joinery, or construction is highly desirable.

6. EXPERIENCE

Recommended experience:

Candidates should have practical experience in:

• Quantity take-off

• BOQ preparation

• Estimation

• Tendering

• Cost control

• Subcontractor management

• Variations

• Payment applications

• Contract administration

• Final accounts

• Interior fit-out projects

7. TECHNICAL SKILLS

The candidate should be proficient in:

• Microsoft Excel

• Microsoft Word

• AutoCAD

• Quantity take-off software/tools

• BOQ and estimating systems

• Cost-control systems

• Construction drawings and specifications

• Rate analysis

• Measurement and valuation

Knowledge of PlanSwift, CostX, Bluebeam, Primavera, or similar software is an advantage.

8. KNOWLEDGE & UNDERSTANDING

The QS should have a strong understanding of:

• Interior fit-out construction

• Architectural works

• Civil works

• MEP works

• Joinery

• Loose furniture

• Finishes and materials

• Construction methodologies

• BOQ and measurement principles

• Cost estimation

• Procurement procedures

• Contract administration

• Variation and claims procedures

• UAE construction practices

9. KEY COMPETENCIES

• Strong numerical and analytical skills

• Excellent attention to detail

• Commercial awareness

• Strong negotiation skills

• Good knowledge of construction costs

• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications

• Excellent Excel skills

• Strong communication skills

• Problem-solving ability

• Time management

• Ability to work under pressure

• Ability to meet tight tender deadlines

• High level of accuracy and confidentiality

• Strong organizational skills

10. KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS (KPIs)

Performance may be evaluated based on:

1. Accuracy of tender estimates.

2. Tender submission within deadlines.

3. Achievement of project budget targets.

4. Effective cost control.

5. Reduction of unnecessary project costs.

6. Successful variation recovery.

7. Accuracy of subcontractor valuations.

8. Timely submission of client payment applications.

9. Timely collection and follow-up of outstanding payments.

10. Successful completion of final accounts.

11. Procurement cost savings.

12. Reduction of commercial risks and losses.

13. Accuracy and completeness of commercial documentation.

11. AUTHORITY & RESPONSIBILITY

The Quantity Surveyor is responsible for identifying and reporting commercial risks and shall not approve significant commercial commitments beyond the company's delegated authority.

All major variations, subcontract awards, commercial settlements, and financial commitments shall be subject to the company's approved authorization procedures.

12. GENERAL DUTIES

• Maintain professional and ethical standards at all times.

• Protect the company's commercial interests.

• Maintain confidentiality of project and company information.

• Follow company policies and procedures.

• Comply with applicable UAE laws, regulations, and project requirements.

• Attend project, commercial, tender, and coordination meetings when required.

• Perform other duties reasonably assigned by management.

Requirements: