QS / Contracts Manager

Overview

The Contracts Manager / Quantity Surveyor (QS) will be responsible for the commercial and contractual management of live projects, ensuring robust financial control, effective contractor management, and proactive resolution of commercial matters throughout the project lifecycle.

The role requires both strategic oversight and hands-on delivery across variations management, interim valuations, remeasureable contracts, contractor negotiations, and commercial risk management. The successful candidate will play a key role in protecting the commercial interests of the business while supporting efficient project delivery and maintaining collaborative stakeholder relationships.

Responsibilities

Commercial & Contract Management

Lead the commercial administration of projects from procurement through to final account settlement. Manage and administer construction contracts, including remeasureable and BoQ-based work packages. Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, procedures, and commercial governance requirements. Maintain accurate and auditable commercial records across all projects. Provide commercial leadership and oversight to project teams and junior commercial staff where applicable.

Variations Management

Manage day-to-day variations on live projects from instruction through assessment, negotiation, agreement, and close-out. Ensure all changes are appropriately instructed, assessed, quantified, valued, and recorded in accordance with contractual requirements. Maintain variation registers and monitor the commercial impact of changes on project budgets and forecasts. Work closely with project delivery teams and contractors to achieve timely agreement of variations and minimise dispute exposure.

Payment Applications & Valuations

Take ownership of the monthly payment application and valuation process. Prepare, review, assess, and certify interim payment applications and contractor valuations. Ensure valuations accurately reflect project progress, measured quantities, approved variations, and contractual entitlements. Manage payment recommendations and support accurate project cost reporting and cash flow forecasting. Review and challenge contractor submissions where required to ensure value and contractual compliance.

Contractor Commercial Management

Engage directly with contractors and subcontractors on all commercial matters including valuations, variations, compensation events, claims, and final accounts. Lead commercial discussions and negotiations to secure commercially robust outcomes. Critically review and challenge contractor valuations, applications, and claims using contract provisions, site records, and measured quantities. Maintain productive working relationships while protecting the commercial interests of the business.

Remeasureable / BoQ-Based Contracts

Administer and manage remeasureable contracts and BoQ-based work packages. Verify quantities and progress on site through measurement, inspections, records, and liaison with project teams. Ensure accurate valuation of measured works and maintain supporting documentation for all assessments and payments. Monitor quantity movements and assess associated commercial implications and risks.

Commercial Risk Management & Claims Avoidance

Proactively identify and manage commercial risks and emerging issues on live projects. Resolve commercial matters pragmatically before escalation into formal claims or disputes. Support the preparation, negotiation, and defence of contractual positions where required. Maintain robust contemporaneous records to support commercial decisions and contractual entitlement.

Reporting & Stakeholder Management

Prepare and present commercial reports including cost forecasts, variation summaries, risk registers, and final account updates. Provide clear commercial advice and recommendations to project managers, senior leadership, clients, and stakeholders. Support project delivery teams with ongoing contractual and commercial guidance throughout project delivery.
Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related fieldChartered membership (RICS, CIOB) or equivalent European qualification preferred8-12 years commercial management experience on major construction projectsProven experience with pharmaceutical/industrial construction contractsExpertise in contract administration (FIDIC, NEC4, or similar standard forms)Strong cost control, budgeting, and financial forecasting capabilitiesExperience with EU procurement regulations and tender processesKnowledge of construction law, variations, and dispute resolution proceduresUnderstanding of pharmaceutical construction processes and GMP requirementsAbility to interpret technic