Job Description
ob Title: Junior Quantity Surveyor / Junior Cost Engineer
Location: London or Reading (Thames Water Region - hybrid with occasional site visits)
Contract: 6 months (high likelihood of extension - project duration is 3 years)
Experience: Up to 3 years
Backgrounds: Open to construction, utilities, civil engineering, water, M&E, project controls, or other relevant cost/commercial backgrounds.
Overview
We are seeking a motivated Junior Quantity Surveyor or Junior Cost Engineer to join the commercial team supporting Thames Water infrastructure and capital maintenance projects. This role is ideal for someone with early career experience in cost management or commercial administration who wants to grow within a major long-term water programme.
You will support senior commercial staff with cost reporting, NEC contract administration, financial tracking, and change control across multiple projects within the Thames Water portfolio.
Key Responsibilities
Assist in the preparation of monthly cost reports, forecasts, and valuations
Support NEC contract administration, documentation, and compliance
Track and help manage change control, compensation events, and variations
Maintain and update cost databases, budgets, accruals, and cost tracking tools
Support procurement activities including RFQs, bid analysis, and subcontract management
Assist senior QS/Cost Engineers with payment applications, audits, and commercial governance
Liaise with internal teams, engineers, site managers, and Thames Water stakeholders
Contribute to risk reviews, commercial planning, and cost mitigation activities
Attend occasional site visits to verify progress and support cost validation
Maintain accurate commercial files, documentation, and reporting packs
Skills & Experience
Up to 3 years' experience in a QS, cost, commercial, or project controls role
Experience in utilities, construction, civils, water, infrastructure, energy, M&E, or highways welcomed
Understanding of cost management principles (budgets, forecasts, accruals)
NEC contract awareness is beneficial but not essential
Strong analytical, numerical, and reporting skills
Good Excel capability (VLOOKUP, formulas, data management)
Strong communication and stakeholder coordination skills
Organised, proactive, and keen to develop professionally
Degree/HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Project Controls, or related discipline preferred
What We Offer
6-month contract with a strong possibility of extension (programme is 3+ years)
Hybrid working in London or Reading
Structured development opportunities (RICS, ACostE, commercial career pathways)
Exposure to major UK water infrastructure projects
