PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme

1. Job title

PQS / Cost Consultant – National Programme

2. Location

Kings Cross, London

Hybrid working supported, with UK / ROI travel typically around 2–3 visits per month depending on project requirements.

3. Salary / rate

£55,000 – £65,000 per annum + package

4. About the role

We are looking for a qualified PQS / Cost Consultant to support a major national programme of construction works across a UK and ROI property portfolio.

This is a client-facing cost management role suited to someone with previous experience working as a PQS, Cost Consultant or client-side Quantity Surveyor. You will support projects from feasibility and cost planning through procurement, change control, valuations, reporting and final account.

The key requirement is not sector-specific experience. The priority is a strong consultancy-side or client-side cost management background, excellent reporting discipline and confidence working directly with client stakeholders.

You will manage allocated projects, work with consultants and contractors, and contribute to wider programme-level reporting across multiple live schemes.

5. Key responsibilities

• Prepare cost plans, estimates, benchmarking and feasibility budgets.
• Produce accurate cost reports, forecasts, cost-to-complete updates and cashflows.
• Support programme reporting, risk and opportunity tracking, and clear commercial audit trails.
• Support and manage tender processes, including documentation, analysis, levelling, recommendations and award reporting.
• Manage valuations, payment processes and contractor / supplier commercial performance where required.
• Assess variations and change, maintain change logs and support robust approval processes.
• Provide clear commercial advice, substantiation and options to client stakeholders.
• Attend and lead project meetings where required, presenting cost and commercial updates clearly.
• Build effective relationships with clients, consultants, contractors and internal teams.
• Work within client templates, governance structures, reporting requirements and commercial controls.
• Maintain high standards of accuracy, consistency and professional best practice.

6. Requirements

• Qualified Quantity Surveyor.
• Previous experience working as a PQS, Cost Consultant or client-side Quantity Surveyor.
• 3+ years’ relevant Quantity Surveying / cost management experience.
• Strong cost planning, procurement, tender analysis, change control, valuations and cost reporting experience.
• Confident working directly with client stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• High attention to detail and accuracy in reporting.
• Strong Excel, forecasting and cost reporting capability.
• Able to manage multiple live tasks and take ownership of allocated work with limited supervision.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, client-led environment with changing priorities.

7. Desirable / nice-to-have background

• MRICS or working towards MRICS / APC.
• Experience across multi-site, programme-based or portfolio work.
• Experience in new build, refurbishment, remodelling or live-environment projects.
• Familiarity with client-side governance, reporting and commercial controls.
• Background in commercial, industrial, logistics, distribution, warehouse, retail, healthcare, education, mixed-use or wider property / construction projects.

8. About the employer / environment

You will be working in a consultancy / client-side cost management environment, supporting a national programme of works across a UK and ROI portfolio.

The role is suited to someone who enjoys client-facing delivery, accurate reporting, commercial control and working across multiple live projects rather than focusing on one single site.

9. Best-Fit Candidates

This role is likely to suit candidates from PQS, cost consultancy, client-side property, construction consultancy, real estate advisory or programme management consultancy backgrounds.

The strongest applicants are likely to have worked in environments where they have been responsible for cost planning, tender analysis, procurement support, valuations, change control, cost reporting, forecasting and stakeholder-facing commercial advice.

Relevant company backgrounds may include: Turner & Townsend, Arcadis, AECOM, Currie & Brown, RLB, Gleeds, Mace, Gardiner & Theobald, AtkinsRéalis / Faithful+Gould, CBRE, JLL, AA Projects, Avison Young, Linesight, Core Five, WT Partnership, Sweett Group alumni, Ridge, Pick Everard.

Alternative job titles that may map well include:

• PQS
• Cost Consultant
• Quantity Surveyor
• Cost Manager
• Project Quantity Surveyor
• Client-Side Quantity Surveyor
• Intermediate Quantity Surveyor
• Assistant Cost Manager
• Programme Quantity Surveyor
• Development Quantity Surveyor