Powered by Water, Driven by Purpose
South West Water keeps the South West flowing with safe, reliable drinking water and wastewater services across some of the UK’s most stunning landscapes.
We’re proud to be part of Pennon Group, a leader in the UK water sector, working towards a greener future. Our goals? As well as lowering our carbon footprint, we’re working with partners to plant 300,000 trees, restore peatlands and supporting farmers and landowners to improve water quality and wildlife.
Whether you’re starting out or seeking a new challenge, our scale and ambition create opportunities for you to shape your own career.
Ready to make a splash? Join our team today.
About the RoleWe are seeking a commercially focused Quantity Surveyor to join our Commercial Team, supporting the effective management and control of high-volume reactive Repair & Maintenance (R&M) network contracts alongside other operational contracts across the business.
Reporting to the Senior Quantity Surveyor, the successful candidate will be responsible for validating costs, reviewing payment applications, assessing Defined Cost under NEC contracts, and supporting the commercial administration of key operational contracts. This role plays a critical part in ensuring accurate cost control, contract compliance, and value delivery across a varied portfolio of works.
Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial ManagementReview, challenge, and certify contractor payment applications accurately and fairly.
Assess and validate Defined Cost submissions in accordance with contractual requirements.
Review target cost build-ups and support pain/gain share assessments.
Track and analyse actual expenditure against target costs and approved budgets.
Monitor labour, plant, materials, and subcontractor costs to identify efficiencies and opportunities for improvement.
Assess completed works, including reinstatement activities and material utilisation.
Contract AdministrationSupport the administration and management of NEC contracts.
Draft and manage Early Warnings and Compensation Events in accordance with contractual processes.
Assist with the review and evaluation of tender submissions.
Support the optimisation of commercial and contract management processes.
Risk & Performance ManagementMaintain contract risk registers and assess the potential financial impact of operational risks.
Support forecasting, budgeting, accruals, and commercial reporting activities.
Ensure contract trackers, purchase orders, and financial records remain accurate and up to date.
Provide analysis and reporting to support business decision-making.
Stakeholder ManagementBuild and maintain effective working relationships with operational teams, supply chain partners, finance, legal, and wider commercial colleagues.
Act as a first point of contact for resolving routine commercial queries and contract-related issues.
Work collaboratively with operational managers to ensure accurate and timely cost data is available.
Person SpecificationEssential Skills & ExperienceStrong verbal and written communication skills with the ability to engage stakeholders at all levels.
Analytical and detail-oriented approach to problem-solving.
Competent user of Microsoft Office applications, particularly Excel.
Basic understanding of the construction, utilities, or infrastructure sectors.
Understanding of cost control and commercial management principles.
Desirable Skills & ExperiencePrevious experience within utilities, water, construction, or infrastructure industries.
Experience working with NEC contracts.
Knowledge of SAP, CEMAR, Ellipse, or similar contract management systems.
Experience reviewing payment applications and contractor costs.
QualificationsEssentialDegree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
Equivalent industry experience may be considered.
DesirableMembership of, or working towards membership of, the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Chartered status (MRICS) desirable.
Closing Date: 11th Aug 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
Please note that the successful candidate will be subject to a mandatory DBS check as part of the onboarding process.
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values, which are essential to our success, are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
