Quantity Surveyor Jobs in Edinburgh EH2 | Immediate Start & Competitive Pay
Carer Agency is urgently recruiting a skilled Quantity Surveyor for a major construction project in Edinburgh EH2. Enjoy an ASAP start, weekly pay, and the support of a leading local recruitment agency.
Job Description: Quantity Surveyor, Edinburgh EH2
Carer Agency is partnering with a prestigious national contractor to source a meticulous and commercially astute Quantity Surveyor for a high-profile commercial development in the heart of Edinburgh EH2. This is a critical role managing the financial and contractual aspects of a £multi-million project, offering an exceptional opportunity for a surveyor looking to make a significant impact.
By applying through Carer Agency, you gain direct access to this exclusive opportunity without the hassle of generic job boards. We act as your advocate, ensuring a smooth, fast-tracked application process. Our deep understanding of the Edinburgh construction market, from traditional builds to modern commercial ventures, means we connect you with roles that match your skills and career ambitions. Whether you're seeking a long-term position or a temporary contract to bridge a gap, we provide the local expertise and support you need.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Prepare accurate cost analysis, tender documents, contracts, budgets, and bills of quantities for the Edinburgh EH2 project.
- Perform value engineering, cost control, and variance analysis, reporting directly to the Senior Project Manager.
- Negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring all agreements are commercially robust and align with project specifications.
- Manage the valuation of work-in-progress, prepare interim payment applications, and assess subcontractor payments.
- Identify, analyse, and develop responses to commercial risks, maintaining meticulous records for potential contractual claims.
- Provide strategic financial advice to the project team to ensure the development remains on budget and profitable.
- Conduct final account settlements and ensure all project close-out financial procedures are completed.
Essential Skills & Requirements
- Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor, preferably within commercial or large-scale residential construction in the UK.
- A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field. Professional membership (RICS) is a strong advantage.
- Exceptional knowledge of construction contracts (NEC, JCT) and a firm grasp of construction law.
- High proficiency in industry-standard software such as CostX, Bluebeam, and Microsoft Project/Excel.
- Outstanding numerical, analytical, and negotiation skills with a keen eye for detail.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of liaising effectively with clients, site managers, and subcontractors.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites within the Edinburgh region as required.
Explore the high-demand construction roles and essential skills employers are seeking in 2026.
Salary, Benefits & Why Choose Carer Agency
We offer a highly competitive daily or hourly rate, commensurate with your experience and the seniority of this Edinburgh-based role. Payment is processed weekly, reliably and on time. In addition to financial reward, working through Carer Agency provides stability and career progression often missing from direct freelance work.
Benefits of Registering with Carer Agency:
- Weekly Pay: No waiting for monthly invoices to be paid.
- Dedicated Consultant: A single point of contact who understands construction.
- Exclusive Access: To roles not advertised on public platforms.
- Career Guidance: Support in finding your next permanent or temporary role.
- Local Expertise: In-depth knowledge of the Edinburgh EH2 job market.
- Simplified Process: We handle the paperwork and negotiations.
- Compliance Assured: All roles meet UK employment and safety standards.
- Network Growth: Connect with top-tier contractors and consultancies.
How to Apply for This Quantity Surveyor Role
This in-demand position in Edinburgh EH2 is moving quickly. To apply, please follow these steps to ensure your application is reviewed promptly by our specialist construction team.
- Prepare Your CV: Ensure it is up-to-date, detailing your Quantity Surveying experience, key projects, and qualifications.
- Gather References: Have contact details for at least two professional referees ready.
- Email Your Application: Send your CV and a brief covering note directly to our team.
If you are interested email your cv and info to [email protected]
Our team will typically respond within 24 hours to discuss the role, your experience, and the next steps. For more opportunities across the UK, browse our recent jobs board.
Frequently Asked Questions
The role is for a major, multi-story commercial office development in Edinburgh's city centre (EH2 postcode). It involves both new build and refurbishment elements, requiring a surveyor with experience in complex commercial contracts and high-value project financial management.
Absolutely. We regularly recruit for CSCS Labourers, Site Managers, Project Managers, and tradespeople across Edinburgh and Scotland. We also place professionals in complementary fields like Finance Assistants and Administrators for construction firms.
This initial contract is projected for 6-9 months, covering the core construction phase. However, there is a strong possibility of extension or conversion to a permanent staff position with the contractor, depending on project progression and performance, embodying a true temp-to-perm pathway.
Yes, the construction sector always needs skilled Administrators for site offices, project coordination, and commercial support. Transferable skills in organisation, software, and communication are highly valued. We can help you find an entry-point role with a contractor or consultancy. Explore our broader recruitment services to see how we match candidates with diverse roles.
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Why Carer Agency for Construction Jobs?
- Industry Specialists: We understand NEC contracts, construction phases, and site requirements.
- Local & National Network: Access to both Edinburgh-based projects and UK-wide opportunities.
- Career-Long Support: From your first site role to senior commercial management.
For employers, we provide the same expert level of service. Learn about our strategic hiring solutions.
Ready to Apply?
Contact our construction recruitment team today.
Our lines are open Monday-Friday, 8am-6pm. For more information on our wide range of services, visit our healthcare or life science staffing pages.
A Day in the Life: Navigating the Edinburgh EH2 Project
To understand the scope of this role, consider a typical week. You’ll be based primarily in a well-appointed site office within the EH2 development perimeter, with regular visits to the contractor’s regional head office. Your morning might start with a cost reconciliation meeting, analysing the previous day’s subcontractor progress against the Bill of Quantities. Using CostX software, you’ll update the live cost model, flagging any variances exceeding 2% for immediate discussion with the Site Manager.
Project Snapshot: The St. Andrew Square Development
This isn't just any commercial build. The EH2 project is a landmark £85M mixed-use development featuring office space, retail units, and underground parking. Key complexities include:
- Heritage Considerations: Integrating with the facade of a protected 19th-century structure on the site boundary.
- Logistical Challenges: Coordinating material deliveries in a congested city centre with strict time windows.
- Multi-Tier Subcontracting: Managing over 15 specialist packages, from piling and steelwork to high-tech MEP (Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing) fit-outs.
Your afternoons will often involve negotiations; perhaps a specialist glazing subcontractor has encountered unforeseen ground conditions, requiring a variation. Your skill in interpreting the NEC4 contract’s compensation event clauses will be critical to reaching a fair and timely agreement, protecting both the client’s budget and the project schedule. This hands-on, high-stakes environment is where a great Quantity Surveyor becomes indispensable.
Mastering the Tools: Essential Software & Methodologies
Beyond foundational knowledge, success in this role demands fluency in specific digital tools and modern costing methodologies. The principal contractor operates a fully integrated BIM (Building Information Modelling) Level 2 environment, meaning your quantity take-offs and cost plans must interface seamlessly with the shared digital model.
| Software / Method | Primary Use in This Role | Why It Matters for EH2 |
|---|---|---|
| CostX / BIM Integration | 5D cost modelling directly from the federated BIM model. | Ensures unparalleled accuracy in take-offs for complex structural elements, reducing waste and cost overruns. |
| Power BI / Data Dashboards | Creating real-time financial performance dashboards for the project board. | Transforms raw cost data into actionable insights, highlighting trends in labour productivity or material price inflation. |
| NEC4 ECC (Option C) | The target-cost contract mechanism governing the project. | Understanding pain/gain share mechanisms is vital for advising the client on financial risk and incentivising contractor performance. |
Career Pathway: From This Role to Senior Commercial Management
A contract role on a project of this calibre is a recognised accelerator for career progression. We've placed Quantity Surveyors who have used similar engagements as a springboard. For instance, one candidate we placed on a £60M hospital project in Glasgow leveraged that experience to secure a Senior QS position within 18 months, followed by promotion to Commercial Manager.
Case Study: Career Progression via Agency Placement
Candidate: Michael T., MRICS.
Initial Placement (via Carer Agency): Temporary Quantity Surveyor on a commercial refurbishment in Edinburgh (12-month contract).
Outcome: Exceptional performance led to a permanent offer from the contractor. Over the next three years, Michael managed the commercial delivery of two further city-centre projects. He is now the Associate Director of Cost Management at a major consultancy, overseeing a team of eight surveyors.
"The initial contract gave me exposure to a high-pressure project I wouldn't have accessed through traditional applications. The agency's support during that transition phase was crucial for building my confidence and network,"
The Edinburgh EH2 Construction Market: Trends & Insights
Edinburgh's city centre, particularly the EH postcode, is undergoing a sustained period of strategic investment. Beyond this specific role, understanding the market landscape is key for a surveying professional. Key drivers include the £1.3bn Edinburgh St. James Quarter completion spurring further commercial confidence, and significant public sector investment in the Edinburgh Innovation Hub at BioQuarter. This activity creates a competitive but opportunity-rich environment for surveyors with commercial acumen.
The demand is shifting towards surveyors who are not just cost engineers but strategic business partners. Clients increasingly value those who can advise on sustainable material choices that offer whole-life cost savings, or who can navigate the financial implications of modern methods of construction (MMC) like modular units, which are being used in several residential developments on the city's fringe.
Take the Next Step in Your Surveying Career
This Edinburgh EH2 role represents more than a job; it's a chance to elevate your profile within the UK's premier construction market. You will gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge project delivery methods, contribute to a landmark development, and solidify your commercial expertise.
Carer Agency bridges the gap between your capability and this exceptional opportunity. We pre-vet our candidates thoroughly, meaning when we present you to the client, you are already positioned as a serious, qualified contender. We manage the logistical and contractual complexities, allowing you to focus on what you do best: delivering exemplary quantity surveying.
Our construction recruitment lead will contact you for a confidential discussion within one working day.
Edinburgh Construction Snapshot
Data sourced from our 2024 UK Construction Market Report. Get the full report.
Is This Role Right For You?
Answer yes to 3+ for a strong fit:
- You thrive in a fast-paced, site-based commercial environment.
- You have experience with NEC contracts and BIM workflows.
- You're seeking a role with clear temp-to-perm potential.
- You want agency support to handle payroll and contract admin.