what is a senior quantity surveyor?
A senior quantity surveyor (often referred to as a Cost Engineer or Quantity Surveying Specialist) leverages extensive knowledge in construction contract negotiations to manage project expenses. Your role involves sourcing the best suppliers and contractors based on project budgets and requirements. You also collaborate with architects to identify the necessary resources and materials for construction projects. The position puts you in charge of project budgets, requiring careful tracking of all costs. Additionally, you oversee projects from start to finish to ensure the construction team stays within the allocated budget.
Quantity Surveyors are involved in estimating and budgeting the costs of construction projects, such as residential developments, shopping centers, and civil engineering schemes like airport runways or roads. While projects may differ, the principles used in cost estimation remain the same. The specific responsibilities of Quantity Surveyors depend on the organization and the scope of the project. For example, construction consulting firms require a Quantity Surveyor to oversee the preparation of initial design work and budget forecasts for new projects. Academic institutions also need Quantity Surveyors for research, training, and specialized consulting. Typically, you might be managing one major project or multiple overlapping projects at the same time. Therefore, to succeed in this role, strong multitasking and organizational skills are essential.
Do you think you're suited for a career in construction as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, given your multitasking skills and passion for numbers? If so, keep reading to find out what skills and qualifications are needed to excel in the role of Senior Quantity Surveyor.
find jobsthe average salary of a senior quantity surveyor.
According to Paylab and internal resources from Randstad Romania, a Senior Quantity Surveyor (Cost Engineer) in Romania earns an average of 14,000 RON net per month. The minimum salary for a Senior Quantity Surveyor is 11,000 RON net per month. With many years of experience, your salary can exceed 16,000 RON net per month. You enjoy numerous benefits, including paid leave, health and life insurance, transportation and housing allowances. Additionally, you receive higher hourly rates for overtime and annual bonuses from the company.
what factors affect the salary of a senior quantity specialist?
Senior CA Specialist, your salary depends on your level of experience and academic qualifications. If you have five years of experience, your compensation package will be lower than someone with ten years of experience. This is because they bring additional expertise and transferable skills to the company. A licensed master's graduate can also earn more due to their high level of expertise.
Your location and employer can influence your salary. For example, working in major cities like Bucharest typically offers higher pay due to the higher cost of living, whereas smaller towns tend to pay less because of lower demand for Senior Specialist roles. Additionally, large multinational companies often pay more because of their substantial resources, while small construction firms may not have the capacity to offer high salaries.
types of senior quantity surveyor specialists.
The types of Senior Quantity Surveying Specialists depend on their employer. Some Quantity Surveying Engineers work for contractors, while others work for consulting firms.
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senior quantity surveyor of the contractor
A Senior Quantity Surveyor working for a contractor focuses on cost control during construction. You prepare budget forecasts and assist contractors in finding the best suppliers for materials. Additionally, you manage expenses throughout the construction process and develop cost-effective methods to complete projects.
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senior client quantity specialist
A Senior Quantity Surveyor working for a consulting firm advises clients on project scope and costs. They assist in negotiating contracts with contractors and obtaining building permits. Additionally, they review initial design work and develop strategies to minimize expenses.
senior quantity surveyor career path.
Are you eager to pursue a career as a Senior Quantity Surveyor? Discover the responsibilities, work environment, and expected working hours associated with this role.
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responsibilities of a senior quantity surveyor
Here are some of the tasks of a senior quantity surveyor:
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Providing business support: As a Senior Quantity Surveyor, I offer commercial support to engineers and project managers by guiding the preparation of budgets, invoices, and overall commercial entries for projects. I monitor project costs by reviewing monthly financial forecasts against actual expenses. Additionally, I can recommend adjustments for cost variations and future expenditures.
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Managing a team of junior quantity surveyors: As a senior Quantity Surveyor, you are responsible for multiple projects. This means you need to delegate tasks to Junior Quantity Surveyors. You provide guidance on cost estimation processes and contract preparation, and you review their reports. Additionally, you conduct training and development activities for Junior Quantity Surveyors.
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Reporting to clients and management: As a senior quantity surveyor, you report directly to clients and managers. Your responsibility is to advise the client on the potential of a site after conducting a feasibility study. You present evaluation reports and cost estimates, and determine what the client can afford. When the project begins, you inform the client of any budget deviations and seek approval for additional funding.
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Endering and contract negotiations: A senior quantity surveyor plays a key role in procurement. They estimate target costs and budget prices. They also prepare lump-sum bids and compile tender documents for competitive bidding. When a favorable offer is received, they prepare the tender and contract documents, including bill of quantities. Sometimes, negotiations are necessary to ensure the contract aligns with the client's budget.
- Ensuring compliance with building regulations: A senior quantity surveyor advises clients or contractors on compliance issues and the commercial risks associated with their projects. Additionally, they obtain the necessary building permits to ensure that construction work adheres to building regulations.
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work environment
A senior quantity surveyor works in the construction and civil engineering industry. You can be employed by a construction consulting firm or by a contractor responsible for complex construction projects. Additionally, you may work for public or private sector companies involved in infrastructure projects. Your work environment varies depending on the organization and employer. When working for a consulting firm, you spend most of your time negotiating contracts and attending meetings in an office setting. Site visits are rare, as junior quantity surveyors typically prepare detailed reports on the progress of the work.
When you work for a contractor, your office is on the construction site because you need to work closely with the construction team to manage costs. You work in all weather conditions, outdoors, and are exposed to noise and dust from construction activities.
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who are your colleagues?
A Quantity Surveyor is a senior professional working in the construction industry. Your colleagues may include other Quantity Surveyors, civil engineers, contractors, and project managers. You can also collaborate with cost estimators and contract managers, as well as other specialists such as procurement managers, lawyers, and accountants.
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work schedule
The work schedule of a senior quantity surveyor depends on the nature of the job. For example, if you work in an office, you’re likely to have regular working hours, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Quantity surveyors working in an office typically work around 40 hours a week, but sometimes late evenings may be required if there’s an upcoming deadline and a heavy workload.
When working on a construction site, your workday often starts a bit earlier and can end in the evening, depending on the weather and the type of project. If you're working alongside the construction team, sometimes you'll be on the job until late at night or during public holidays. Most infrastructure projects are carried out at night or during public holidays to avoid disrupting regular work activities.
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career perspective
A Senior Quantity Surveyor's expertise, experience, and extensive knowledge open up many opportunities for career advancement. For example, you can move into management roles such as project management or construction management. Some Senior Quantity Surveyors become operational directors within construction companies. Once you are licensed, you can also start your own consulting firm.
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the advantages of finding a service desk analyst job through randstad
Finding a job as a quantity surveyor through Randstad offers significant advantages such as:
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professional guidance and counseling to maximize your chances of success in the recruitment process
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a contact person with experience, available to provide assistance when needed
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a variety of career opportunities in your area of expertise
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temporary and permanent contracts
Are you looking for a permanent contract? A temporary position as a quantity surveyor is often a stepping stone to a rewarding permanent role. Every year, thousands of people secure permanent contracts with trusted employers thanks to temporary jobs found through Randstad. Plus, many companies also hire their permanent staff through Randstad!
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education and training.
A senior quantity surveyor needs the following qualifications:
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bachelor's degree
You start your journey toward becoming a senior quantity surveyor with a university degree. Relevant specializations include construction, civil engineering, mathematics, or urban engineering. Alternatively, you can pursue postgraduate retraining in a different field.
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apprenticeship
You can also start with advanced technician apprenticeship in surveying, which includes hands-on training on the job. After completing the apprenticeship, you should pursue additional courses to qualify for a higher position in the field of quantitative assessments.
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work experience
To become a Senior Quantity Surveyor, you need extensive work experience and a certification in construction management skills. Additionally, you should have five years of experience in a Junior Quantity Surveyor role.
skills and competencies.
The skills and competencies of a senior quantity surveyor include:
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mathematical knowledge
A senior quantity surveyor needs advanced mathematical skills to guide other estimators through the cost estimation processes. Mathematical knowledge is essential during budgeting and bidding procedures.
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negotiation skills
As a senior quantity surveyor, you negotiate contracts on behalf of your client. Therefore, you need strong negotiation skills to secure the best value for money and favorable contracts for your clients.
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leadership skills
A senior quantity surveyor needs exceptional leadership skills to guide other Junior Quantity Surveyors. Additionally, they must motivate and inspire construction workers.
frequently asked questions (FAQs).
Frequently asked questions about senior quantity surveyor work.
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how much does a senior quantity surveyor earn?
Senior Quantity Surveyors earn an average of 14,000 RON net per month. With advanced qualifications and extensive experience, you can earn over 16,000 RON net per month.
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what skills are necessary to become a senior quantity surveyor?
A senior quantity surveyor needs to have knowledge of the construction process to understand building plans and schematics. They also need negotiation skills to secure the best deals for their clients.
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how long does it take to become a senior quantity surveyor?
After completing your university program, you start as a Quantity Specialist Assistant or Junior Quantity Specialist. You can become a senior quantity specialist after gaining five years of experience.
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are Quantity Specialists in Romania in demand on the market?
Yes. Quantity Surveyors are among the most sought-after roles in the Romanian market when it comes to the engineering field.
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how can I apply for a senior quantity surveyor role?
Applying for a senior quantity surveyor position is easy: create a Randstad profile and browse our quantity surveyor jobs in your area. Then, simply send us your CV. If you don’t have one, no worries — we’ll help you create it. Need assistance with your application? Check out all our career tips here! Want to stay updated on the latest trends and insights in the job market? Download the newest reports and research here.