Project

The Lower Thames Crossing (LTC) is a major new road infrastructure scheme linking the A2/M2 in Kent with the A13 and M25 in Essex via a 2.6 mile twin bore tunnel beneath the River Thames—the longest road tunnel in the UK. The 14.5 mile route incorporates new approach roads, upgrades to existing highways, and significant structures including bridges and viaducts.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join VSL UK on the Lower Thames Crossing project. This is a project-based commercial leadership role embedded within a major live infrastructure delivery environment. The role is responsible for managing the full commercial and contractual lifecycle of complex civil engineering and specialist works on site, ensuring strong commercial control and financial performance across allocated packages.

Main Responsibilities

Commercial Management and Cost Control

• Act as the commercial lead on allocated project packages, providing QS and contractual support to the site delivery team.
• Prepare cost estimates, budgets, cost plans and forecasts, working closely with project controls to ensure accurate financial performance tracking.
• Manage valuations, applications for payment, and ensure timely and maximised entitlement through the full payment cycle.

Procurement and Tendering

• Lead subcontract procurement for project packages, including strategy, tendering, evaluation, and award recommendations.
• Prepare subcontract documentation, manage tender analysis, and support negotiation of commercial terms.
• Participate in subcontractor interviews and support package award decisions in line with project requirements.

Contracts, Claims and Final Accounts

• Administer subcontract and main contract obligations including variations, early warnings, compensation events, and change management.
• Support the preparation and substantiation of claims where required, ensuring accurate records and commercial protection.
• Drive timely commercial close-out of packages, including agreement of final accounts and resolution of outstanding matters.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Provide clear commercial direction to site teams on scope, risks, contractual obligations, and cost impacts.
• Support and mentor junior commercial staff, reviewing outputs and ensuring consistent commercial standards.
• Develop strong working relationships with clients, subcontractors, engineers, and internal project teams to support delivery outcomes.

Reporting and Forecasting

• Produce monthly commercial reporting including cost/value reconciliation, forecasts, subcontract liabilities, and cash flow projections.
• Ensure accurate and timely reporting aligned with project controls requirements.
• Maintain compliance with VSL commercial procedures and project governance standards.

Candidate Profile

Education & Experience 

• BSc / MSc in Quantity Surveying or Construction related discipline (or equivalent experience)
  
• Professional membership (e.g. RICS / working towards or equivalent QS accreditation)
  
• Strong grounding in construction contract law, cost management, and commercial project delivery
• Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor on major civil engineering or infrastructure projects
• Strong track record in subcontract procurement, package management, and commercial delivery on live construction sites
• Experience administering standard forms of contract (e.g. NEC / JCT) within complex project environments
• Demonstrated ability to manage valuations, variations, forecasts, and final accounts across multiple work packages
• Experience working closely with site delivery teams, engineers, planners, and project controls functions
• Exposure to large-scale infrastructure projects (e.g. highways, tunnels, rail, utilities, or heavy civils)
• Strong commercial awareness with ability to manage risk, cost control, and change in fast-paced project environments

Personal Attributes

• Strong commercial mindset with a focus on cost control and value delivery
• Confident communicator, able to engage effectively with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams
• Proactive and detail-oriented with strong problem-solving and analytical skills
• Able to work under pressure in a live project environment with tight deadlines
• Collaborative team player with leadership capability and willingness to support junior staff
• Commercially disciplined with a structured and organised approach to work
• Resilient, adaptable, and comfortable working in complex, high-value infrastructure settings

Interested? Apply now and let's build the great structures of tomorrow together!