Quantity Surveyor

at  Department for Work and Pensions

JOB DESCRIPTION

Government Property Profession Career Framework (Link)

This role sits within the following:

• Job Family – Property & Construction Projects
• Core Role - Property & Construction Project Management
• Level – Practitioner

Key accountabilities

• Provide support in the development of a full independent cost management and review process, from project inception to settlement of final account and project close. Analyse and use a range of relevant, credible information from varied internal and external sources to support decisions
• Evaluate and approval of all costs incorporated in project feasibility reports, consulting with others to ensure the potential impacts on end users have been considered. Presenting strong recommendations in a timely manner outlining the consideration of other options, costs, benefits and risks
• Provide an independent review and budget challenge for all types of major projects - providing cost assurance to support change management/control and displaying confidence when making difficult decisions
• Works with Estates colleagues to ensure a holistic portfolio approach is taken across all projects to ensure the most efficient and effective management of DWP Estates assets understanding the strategic drivers for Estates and the customer, aligning activities to contribute to the wider organisational priorities
• Develop, implement and manage project procurement policies and procedures for projects and programmes of work, communicated to all stakeholders to understand their role in the process
• Supports the EPMS and project supply chain team in developing cost plans, encouraging joined up team work collaborating to share information, resources and support
• Evaluation and approval of tender reports and recommendations relating to Contractor and Consultant appointments for projects and services
• Undertake full independent Cost Audits, providing assurance in appropriateness, effectiveness and efficiency
• Providing cost estimates for strategic programmes and projects to support Departmental policy
• Establish and manage a cost avoidance and cost benefit reporting framework/tool for projects, to provide DWP assurance working with others to identify areas for improvement and simplify processes to use fewer resources where appropriate
• Verifying cost improvements put forward by supplier partners relating to projects or elements of project work, which adhere to the required design standards
• Ensure that data from completed projects is used to inform relevant benchmark data to improve future estimating
• Ensure frameworks and contracts are up to date and rates reflect the departments design standards and market comparable, clearly explaining the reasons for change to colleagues and stakeholders and how to implement them, supporting individuals with different needs to adapt to the changes
• Demonstrate the Authority and operational business units are receiving market comparable rates and value for money across all types and size of projects
• Engage with other government departments and Office for Government Property/Government Property Agency, networking with similar roles and colleagues to ensure best practice is shared and understood

ESSENTIAL SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & EXPERIENCE

• Strong Commercial experience gained within a Property, Facilities Management or similar complex function within a large, matrix organisation
• Strong exposure to a wide range of Commercial Development related projects and activities from design phase onwards, applying good commercial principles to multi-site works delivery
• A detailed working knowledge of construction procurement and contracting strategies and a proven ability to apply the most appropriate strategy to suit specific project characteristics and risks
• Influential in leading key stakeholders towards Commercial solutions that give a balance of optimal commercial performance whilst delivering on business strategy
• High level management of key suppliers, able to support negotiations, management or escalation issues, and engage in key decision making that has strategic consequences
• Understanding and complying with Real Estate and related Statutory, Regulatory and Professional requirements
• Excellent organisational skills supported by robust planning and prioritisation and experience in setting up and managing frameworks to support projects
• Interpretation and analysis of data to inform decision making
• Experienced in finance control, procedures and reporting including providing cost reporting and client side assurance role
• Sound judgement, initiative and prioritisation skills, the ability to delivery at pace and work to tight timescales

NATIONALITY REQUIREMENTS

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

This role sits within the following:

• Job Family – Property & Construction Projects
• Core Role - Property & Construction Project Management
• Level – Practitione