Quantity Surveyor CV Example
A quantity surveyor CV highlights your cost management expertise, contractual knowledge, and ability to maximise value on construction projects.
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Key Skills to Include
Quick Tips
- Highlight your MRICS chartered status or progress towards achieving it.
- Include the total value of projects you have managed costs for.
- Showcase your experience with different contract forms and procurement routes.
- Mention specific cost-saving measures or value engineering contributions.
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Upgrade to ProHow to Write Your Quantity Surveyor CV
A quantity surveyor CV must demonstrate your technical cost management expertise alongside your commercial acumen and contractual knowledge. Whether you work in contracting or consultancy, employers expect to see evidence of your ability to manage project finances, negotiate effectively, and deliver commercial value. Your CV should balance measurement and estimating skills with strategic commercial capability and professional credentials.
CV Structure
Follow a reverse-chronological format with a strong profile, detailed work experience, professional memberships, qualifications, and skills sections. For each role, provide context about the employer, project types, and values. List five responsibilities and two to three quantified achievements per role. Include your RICS membership status prominently. Keep the CV to two pages.
CV Format
Choose a professional, corporate-style template that reflects the commercial nature of the role. Ensure project values, savings achieved, and other financial metrics are easy to find at a glance. Use consistent formatting for dates, bullet styles, and headings. Submit as a PDF to maintain layout integrity.
CV Profile Examples
Chartered Quantity Surveyor
MRICS-chartered quantity surveyor with twelve years of post-qualification experience managing costs on commercial, residential, and infrastructure projects valued up to £80M. Expert in cost planning, procurement strategy, contract administration under JCT and NEC, and final account negotiation. Combines rigorous technical measurement skills with strong commercial judgement to protect client and employer interests throughout the project lifecycle.
Senior QS — Contractor
Commercially astute senior quantity surveyor working for a Tier 1 main contractor, responsible for the commercial management of construction projects valued between £10M and £50M. Skilled in subcontract procurement, cost value reconciliation, and variation management with a consistent record of improving project margins through proactive commercial strategies. Currently mentoring two assistant quantity surveyors through their RICS APC programme.
QS — Consultancy
Client-focused quantity surveyor with eight years of experience in a multidisciplinary cost consultancy, providing pre- and post-contract services to public and private sector clients. Experienced in preparing cost plans from feasibility through to final account, managing tender processes, and advising clients on procurement strategy. Known for producing accurate, well-presented cost information that supports informed decision-making.
Lead with your RICS chartership status, years of experience, and the sectors and project values you have worked across. Mention your contract expertise and one headline commercial achievement. Position yourself as both technically competent and commercially strategic.
Key Skills for Your Quantity Surveyor CV
Cost Planning
Preparing project cost estimates and elemental cost plans from feasibility through to detailed design using benchmarking and measurement.
Final Account Settlement
Negotiating and agreeing final account values with subcontractors and clients, resolving all outstanding commercial matters.
Contract Administration (JCT/NEC)
Administering construction contracts including payment mechanisms, variations, extensions of time, and dispute provisions.
Procurement
Advising on procurement strategy and managing subcontract and consultant procurement from enquiry to contract award.
Risk Analysis
Identifying, quantifying, and managing commercial risks through structured risk registers and contingency allocation.
Change Management
Assessing the cost and programme implications of design changes and managing the variation process through to agreement.
RICS Chartered
Demonstrating professional competence assessed against the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors APC framework.
CostX/Buildsoft
Using digital measurement and cost estimating software for efficient and accurate quantity take-off from drawings and models.
Cost Value Reconciliation
Monitoring project commercial performance by reconciling actual costs against earned value to forecast final project outturn.
Work Experience Examples
For each role, describe the project types, values, and your commercial scope. List key responsibilities covering cost planning, procurement, contract administration, and final accounts. Include quantified achievements — margin improvements, savings negotiated, or estimating accuracy. Show progression in responsibility and commercial value managed.
Senior Quantity Surveyor
Harland Construction Plc
Managed the commercial function on commercial office and mixed-use development projects valued between £20M and £55M across London and the South East.
Responsibilities
- Prepared and maintained cost value reconciliations for live projects, reporting commercial performance monthly to the commercial director.
- Managed subcontract procurement for 25 to 35 trade packages per project, from enquiry through to order and final account settlement.
- Assessed and valued variations using first principles measurement and NRM2 rules, maintaining detailed records for final account negotiations.
- Administered JCT Design and Build and NEC contracts including interim applications, extensions of time, and loss and expense claims.
- Prepared and agreed final accounts with subcontractors and the client's quantity surveyor, consistently achieving settlements within 6 months of practical completion.
Achievements
- Improved project margin by 2.8% on a £45M commercial scheme through proactive value engineering and rigorous subcontract procurement.
- Negotiated final account settlements on three concurrent projects totalling £95M, achieving a combined saving of £1.2M against forecast provisions.
- Reduced subcontract procurement cycle time by 20% by implementing standardised tender documentation and evaluation criteria across the regional business.
Quantity Surveyor
Bridgewater Cost Consultants
Provided cost management services on behalf of public and private sector clients for education, healthcare, and commercial projects valued between £3M and £20M.
Responsibilities
- Prepared elemental cost plans at RIBA Stages 1 through 4 using BCIS data, historical benchmarks, and first principles measurement.
- Managed tender processes including preparation of bills of quantities, tender analysis, and recommendation reports to clients.
- Produced interim valuations and payment certificates, administering contract financial provisions on behalf of the employer.
- Provided cost advice during the construction phase, assessing variations and advising clients on the financial implications of design changes.
Achievements
- Delivered cost plans for a portfolio of six primary school projects that came within 3% of the lowest conforming tenders, demonstrating consistent estimating accuracy.
- Achieved MRICS chartered status at first sitting, with all competencies assessed as above the minimum threshold.
Education & Qualifications
List your MRICS or AssocRICS status first, followed by your quantity surveying degree and the awarding university. Include any additional qualifications in contract law, NEC, or mediation. Mention your APC competencies if recently chartered.
MRICS
Chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors, the gold standard for quantity surveying professionals.
BSc Quantity Surveying (RICS Accredited)
Undergraduate degree providing the academic foundation for a career in construction cost management.
NEC Accreditation
Formal training in NEC contract suite administration, valued by employers working on public sector and infrastructure projects.
CIOB Membership
Chartered Institute of Building membership demonstrating broader construction management competence alongside surveying skills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How important is RICS chartership for a quantity surveyor CV?
Should I focus on contractor or consultant experience on my QS CV?
What financial metrics should I include on a quantity surveyor CV?
How do I demonstrate contract expertise on my QS CV?
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