About this role
Job Purpose
To support the commercial and quantity surveying functions for retail fit-out projects by assisting with cost estimation, procurement, quantity measurement, subcontract administration, variation management, cost control, payment certification, and commercial reporting.
The Junior QS will work closely with the Project Management, Design, Procurement, MEP, Finance VM and Site teams to ensure projects are delivered within approved budgets, timelines and commercial objectives.
Qualifications & Experience
Essential
• Bachelor's degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• 2–4 years of relevant QS experience, preferably in fit-out, retail, commercial interiors or construction.
• Good understanding of construction quantities, materials and methods.
• Basic knowledge of subcontracting and commercial practices.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Microsoft Office, AutoCAD, Planswift and/or measurement software.
Preferred
• Experience in retail fit-out projects.
• Exposure to MEP, joinery, signage and specialist fit-out packages.
• Familiarity with ERP / procurement systems.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, multi-project environment.
5. Technical Competencies
Quantity take-off and measurement, BOQ preparation, Rate analysis and build-ups, Cost estimation, Tender evaluation, Procurement support, Variation management, Subcontractor payment evaluation, Cost reporting, Forecasting, Excel and data analysis, Basic contract administration, Understanding of construction drawings and specifications
2. Key Responsibilities
A. Quantity Take-Off & Cost Estimation
• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs from architectural, structural and MEP drawings.
• Assist in preparing BOQs, cost estimates and project budgets.
• Review drawings, specifications and scope of works to identify commercial requirements.
• Assist in obtaining and comparing quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support value engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Maintain accurate quantity and cost databases for recurring retail fit-out elements.
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B. Procurement & Subcontract Management
• Support the procurement process for fit-out packages including:
Civil & architectural works, Joinery, Flooring, Ceiling, Painting, MEP, Signage, Glass & metal works, Fixtures and specialist works
• Prepare bid comparison sheets and commercial evaluations.
• Assist in negotiating rates and commercial terms with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Prepare subcontractor work orders / purchase orders as required.
• Monitor subcontractor commitments against approved budgets.
C. Cost Control
• Maintain project cost reports and commitment registers.
• Monitor budget vs. committed cost vs. actual cost vs. forecast.
• Identify potential cost overruns at an early stage.
Track project expenditure and highlight commercial risks to the Senior QS / Commercial Manager.
• Assist in maintaining accurate forecast final cost (FFC).
• Support monthly commercial reporting.
D. Variations & Change Management
• Identify, record and monitor project variations.
• Review variation instructions and supporting documentation.
• Prepare quantity measurements and rate build-ups for variations.
• Assist in evaluating subcontractor variation claims.
• Maintain a Variation / Change Order Register.
• Ensure variations are properly documented and approved before financial commitment wherever possible.
• Track the impact of design changes, client instructions and site conditions on project cost.
E. Subcontractor Payments & Final Accounts
• Check subcontractor interim payment applications against actual site progress.
• Verify quantities and completed works in coordination with the project/site team.
• Assist in preparing payment recommendations.
• Monitor retention, advance payments, deductions and other contractual adjustments.
• Assist in preparing subcontractor final accounts and resolving outstanding commercial matters.
F. Retail Fit-Out Commercial Management
• Understand the requirements of fast-track retail projects, including tight opening dates and accelerated procurement.
• Monitor commercial impact of changes in design, materials, specifications and VM requirements.
• Coordinate with VM and Design teams to understand changes to fixtures, finishes and displays.
• Monitor commercial implications of long-lead items, logistics, material wastage and urgent procurement.
• Support commercial evaluation of alternative materials and suppliers.
• Assist in controlling costs associated with rework, abortive works and late design changes.
G. Project Documentation
Maintain accurate records of:
• BOQs and quantity take-offs, Quotations and tender comparisons, Purchase orders / work orders, Subcontract agreements, Payment applications, Variations and change orders, Site measurement records, Cost reports, Forecasts, Commercial correspondence, Final accounts
H. Coordination
Work closely with:
• Project Managers, Site Engineers, Design / Architecture teams, MEP teams, VM’s, Procurement, Finance, Planning, Contractors, Subcontractors and suppliers
to ensure commercial decisions are aligned with project delivery requirements