Job Title: Senior Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager – Sustainable Building & Retrofitting Location: Waterford Job Purpose: To lead the commercial function for retrofit and sustainable building projects, ensuring cost efficiency, risk management, compliance, and value for money.
You will take full responsibility for the financial, contractual, and procurement aspects of retrofit projects (deep retrofit, energy efficiency upgrades, building fabric improvements etc.), from pre-construction through to final account, whilst supporting sustainability goals and regulatory compliance.
Key ResponsibilitiesCost Planning & BudgetingPrepare detailed cost estimates, cost plans, Bills of Quantities (BOQs), and preliminary budgets for retrofit or sustainable building projects.Develop and maintain cash flow forecasts.Value engineering to optimise design and costs without compromising on sustainability / retrofit performance.Procurement & Contract ManagementLead procurement processes: tender documentation, supplier / subcontractor selection, evaluation, negotiation.Draft, review and negotiate contracts, subcontracts; manage terms and changes.Administer contracts through the project lifecycle: monitor compliance, variations / change orders, interim valuations, final accounts.Commercial Control & ReportingMonitor project financial performance: costs incurred vs budget, identify cost overruns and opportunities for savings.Produce regular reports on financial status, forecasts, risk exposure.Manage payments, claims, dispute resolution if required.Sustainability & Retrofitting FocusWork closely with design, sustainability and technical teams to ensure retrofit works meet energy performance targets and building regulation requirements (including SEAI standards, NZEB etc).
Track and report costs associated with sustainability / decarbonisation measures.Integrate lifecycle costing, whole-life cost and carbon as part of decision-making.Contractual Risk & Change ManagementIdentify, assess, and manage commercial risks, including variation orders, compensation events, scope changes.Ensure proper documentation and approval of change control.Stakeholder & Team CollaborationLiaise with internal teams (design, sustainability, technical) and external stakeholders (consultants, funders, regulatory bodies).
Provide support and guidance to junior quantity surveyors / QS staff.Compliance & Quality AssuranceEnsure compliance with Irish construction law, building regulations, public procurement rules (if applicable), contract forms (e.g. GCCC, RIAI, etc.).
Ensure adherence to sustainability, health & safety, environmental standards.Continuous ImprovementKeep up to date with new materials, retrofit technologies, sustainability standards, regulations, grant and funding schemes.Recommend process improvements, cost saving opportunities and sustainable practices.Person Specification Qualifications and EducationDegree (or higher) in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or related discipline.Membership (or working toward) a relevant professional body (e.g. SCSI).
Experience5 years post-graduate QS experience, with at least some time in senior / lead QS / commercial manager capacity.Specific experience in retrofit / sustainable building or energy efficiency projects: fabric upgrades, insulation, mechanical & electrical integrations for energy saving.Experience managing projects with complexity (multiple stakeholders, grant or funding scheme compliance, high performance / sustainability requirements).
Skills & CompetenciesStrong commercial awareness: budgeting, cost control, risk management.Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.Proficiency with relevant QS / cost estimating / contract administration software.Good understanding of sustainability, energy performance metrics, building regulation in Ireland (including SEAI, NZEB, etc).
Strong communication skills (verbal and written); ability to present financial / technical data in accessible ways.Organised, detail-oriented, able to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.What's nextClick "Apply Now"to submit your application and we will be in touch asap for our initial screening.If this role isn't the perfect match but you're interested in similar opportunities, feel free to get in touch.