Senior Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Project Manager

SENIOR QUANTITY SURVEYOR / COMMERCIAL PROJECT MANAGER 

Optimum Contractors are a fast-growing specialist contractor delivering Fire Protection, Fire Remedials, and Mastic Sealant Solutions across the UK. We are now strengthening our commercial and operational fire division with an experienced professional who understands both main contractor commercial processes and specialist fire protection delivery.

Role Purpose 

To take full commercial ownership of fire-stopping and remedial projects from tender stage through to final account, while also supporting site delivery, ensuring compliance, identifying variations, and protecting Optimum’s commercial position at all stages.

This role blends Quantity Surveying, take-offs, programming awareness, site coordination, and fire protection expertise.

Key Responsibilities Commercial & Quantity Surveying 

• Complete full take-offs for all fire protection elements (penetration seals, linear joints, fire doors, cavity barriers, ductwork, structural protection, etc.).
• Prepare, submit and agree valuations, applications, and variations (JCT knowledge essential).
• Identify, justify and negotiate compensation events & client instructions.
• Track and manage costs, labour, materials, prelims and project cashflow.
• Prepare financial reports, CVRs, and commercial summaries for Directors.
• Work closely with procurement to ensure materials align with approved systems.

Fire Protection & Remedials Expertise 

• Strong understanding of tested systems, manufacturer details, and compliance.
• Ability to read fire strategies, FR requirements, compartment lines and output accurate scopes.
• Experience in remedial projects including survey-to-scope conversion.
• Knowledge of fire stopping QA platforms (Bolster, Onetrace, FireArrest, etc.).

Project & Site Coordination 

• Support the Contracts Manager and supervisors with:
• Programme planning
• Sequence of works
• On-site QA and compliance
• Client walkarounds, snagging and sign-offs
• Attend site meetings with main contractors, fire engineers and inspectors.
• Ensure operatives work to the defined scope; challenge out-of-scope instructions.
• Communicate clearly with site teams on any commercial impacts or variations.

Client Management 

• Maintain strong professional relationships with PMs, commercial teams, and fire inspectors.
• Provide clarity on scope, defend Optimum’s position, and ensure we are fully valued and paid for all works carried out.
• Work through payment issues and queries in a collaborative but commercially firm manner.

Experience & Requirements Essential 

• Minimum 5+ years experience as a QS or commercial PM in construction.
• Main contractor experience (understanding their processes & commercial pressures).
• Strong experience in Fire Protection works.
• Experience in Fire Remedials and survey-based scopes.
• Deep understanding of JCT forms of contract.
• Ability to run take-offs across all fire protection disciplines.
• Able to read drawings, fire strategies, O&M documentation and compliance outputs.
• Strong negotiation skills for variations & commercial matters.
• Comfortable attending sites and dealing with inspectors/clients directly.

Desirable 

• Experience with Onetrace or similar QA platforms.
• Knowledge of UK regulatory framework (BS 476, tested systems, ASFP guidelines).
• Experience supervising operatives or overseeing site works.

Salary & Package 

• Competitive salary (dependent on experience)
• Opportunity to grow into Commercial Lead for the Fire Division 
• Continuous development & specialist training

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: Up to £60,000.00 per year

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Stansted CM24