Associate Partner - Quantity Surveying

At Ward Williams Associates, we are passionate, professional people working together to deliver independent, straightforward advice over the lifetime of our client’s construction project.

We are the 1st Chartered Surveyors in the World to have achieved B Corp Certification™, meaning we have met the highest social and environmental performance standards. In 2023, we were awarded the B Corp™ ‘Best For The World’ award for workers – placing us in the top 5% in the World for our employee experience. If you want to help make a difference through your skills, WWA is the right consultancy for you.

Even though we are passionate about the built environment, the team is much more than just the day job. We are a mix of walkers, campers and surfers, as well as those who prefer a quiet night in with a good book. We have people dedicated to their young families, some who are just beginning their careers and others with many years of experience looking to share their knowledge. Whether you are the life and soul of the party or someone who prefers their own company you will find a brilliant mix of happy professionals to work with at WWA – we positively promote equality, diversity and inclusion for all.

We’re looking for people who share our commitment to building a better world through sustainable and responsible construction management. As part of the B-Corp community, we believe in the power of business to drive positive change, and we strive to lead by example in the construction industry. Our commitment to sustainability goes beyond compliance; it is ingrained in our values, practices, and every project we undertake.  

We are looking for an individual to lead, develop and assist with the provision of cost management services; including technical advice, and pre and post-contract cost management services.

• Implementation of Cost Management activities, systems and processes aligned to workflow stages such as RIBA Stage 0-7 or similar.
• Conducting feasibility studies and writing procurement reports.
• Value and risk management.
• Employers Agent and development monitoring roles.
• Business case & strategy development.
• Stakeholder management.
• Preparation of fee proposals, forecasting and invoicing.
• Strategic procurement advice including OGC, OJEU.
• Line management of team Leave/Absence, PDRs, Mentoring/Support, Training.
• Production of project documentation, e.g. Feasibility Studies, Preliminary Estimates, Detailed Cost Plans, Procurement.
• Preparation of valuations (including checking of others) and timely issue of payment certificates.
• Carbon modelling and life cycle costing.
• Preparation of monthly cost reports for presentation to the client.
• Ensure final accounts are negotiated and agreed. 
• Strong understanding of Contract and its administration, including: JCT, IFC, NEC.
• Gateway reviews.
• Project audits and post-project evaluation, lessons learned workshops.

• To be a senior member of the WWA QS team and on behalf of a range of clients, deliver projects from inception to completion either as a sole QS or team leader, depending on the particular project.
• Where required, to act as an APC Supervisor, Counsellor or Mentor.
• To understand the scope of service delivery requirements and deliver in accordance with the Quality Plan.
• Management of the tender document taking off process; including being part of, and sometimes leading, the measurement team.
• Management of project Costs: feasibility, cost plans, cashflows, budgets and reporting.
• Management of the process of Change: alert, assess implications, stakeholder consultation, adopt or reject, track decisions and update Change Control register.
• Management of Risk: in conjunction with stakeholders and the project team, lead the identification, evaluation, communication, avoidance and recording of project Risk.
• Define Quality standards, prepare quality plans and instigate procedures to achieve set standards; delivering or improving upon the required quality.
• People Management - lead and manage teams of QS’s and stakeholders to achieve project goals, address shortfalls in performance and capability. Implement communication strategies.
• Information Management – implement systems to control project information, coordination. Distribution/communication and quality. Utilisation of CADMeasure and iTWO costX.
• Visit sites, chair meetings with clients, consultants, contractors and other professionals, undertake site inspections and reviews, prepare accurate records of such visits and associated actions, follow up actions as required to achieve required results.
• Manage and develop client relationships. Identify opportunities and develop initiatives to grow WWA services across all of its offices and regions.
• Contribute to the strategic development of the business and the Quantity Surveying service line.
• Undertake such other activities as may be required to fulfil the requirements of the role.

Essential

• Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
• Passionate about doing the right thing in relation to people, places and the planet. 
• A demonstrable understanding of cost management: 10+ years experience PQE.
• Computer literate: highly proficient in Microsoft 365 software and cost management specific software such as CADMeasure and iTWO costX.
• A demonstrable understanding of the principles of sustainable construction.
• Analytical skills - the ability to analyse and sort complex data into an understandable form.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to compose and explain issues clearly and concisely to different audiences.
• Ability to be part of a team, through excellent inter-personal and team working skills, ensuring motivated and productive attitude.
• Ability to lead and inspire more junior members of the cost management team.
• Ability to lead, support and explain the construction process to clients – particularly those who may be new to construction projects.
• Financial management skills - ability to monitor and manage complex and detailed budgets, along with the ability to analyse complex financial cost plans.
• Ability to successfully manage contracts and contractors/consultants.
• Project appraisal knowledge and skills - the ability to highlight the strengths and weaknesses of a project, and make judgments based on an analysis of information.

We offer: 

• A hub where the brightest minds come together to create solutions that redefine our industry. We're committed to fostering an environment where every team member can thrive. 
• Hybrid working. 
• A salary that values your skills and experience. 
• Training & development opportunities personalised to your needs.
• 38 days annual leave (including 8 public holidays). 
• 6 annual Wellbeing days that can be taken for your personal wellbeing.
• Your birthday off. 
• Enhanced maternity/paternity leave. 
• 6% employer pension contributions. 
• 3 x salary Life Cover. 
• In-house wellbeing & financial support.
• Charitable fundraising & dedicated volunteering days.
• Involvement in professional & industry organisations. 
• Sports & socialising. 

The position will require an element of travel to fulfil the requirements of the role, so having a full clean driving licence would be desirable.