Freelance Quantity Surveyor MEP

Senior MEP Quantity Surveyor

Location: London

Sector: Commercial Fit-Out

The Opportunity

An established construction and fit-out contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Senior MEP Quantity Surveyor to join its commercial team on a major commercial fit-out project in Central London. This is a key appointment for a commercially astute individual with a strong background in building services, subcontract procurement and commercial management. The successful candidate will take ownership of a substantial MEP package, valued at approximately £35m, playing a central role in procurement strategy, subcontract negotiations and the commercial delivery of the works. The position offers the opportunity to work on a high-value, technically complex project within a fast-paced commercial fit-out environment, working closely with project leadership, building services teams and the wider commercial function.

Key Responsibilities

Procurement & Subcontract Management

Lead the procurement of a major MEP subcontract package, from initial tender enquiry through to final appointment.

Develop and implement procurement strategies in line with project requirements, commercial objectives and programme deadlines.

Prepare and issue tender documentation, manage tender returns and undertake detailed commercial analysis.

Review and assess subcontractor quotations, identifying scope gaps, qualifications, exclusions and commercial risks.

Lead commercial negotiations with specialist MEP subcontractors to secure competitive and commercially robust agreements.

Ensure subcontract scopes are clearly defined, coordinated and aligned with the wider project requirements.

Manage tender clarifications, value engineering opportunities and procurement recommendations.

Work closely with the project and technical teams to ensure procurement decisions support programme, quality and delivery objectives.

Commercial Management

Take responsibility for the commercial management of MEP subcontract packages throughout the project lifecycle.

Monitor contractual commitments, cost movements, variations and potential commercial exposures.

Review and assess applications for payment, valuations and variations, ensuring accuracy and contractual compliance.

Manage change control processes, including the assessment and negotiation of subcontractor variations and additional works.

Identify, manage and mitigate commercial risks, maintaining accurate cost reporting and forecasting.

Support the preparation of cost reports, financial forecasts and commercial updates for senior management.

Assist with final account negotiations and the timely close-out of subcontract packages.

Project & Stakeholder Coordination

Work collaboratively with project managers, MEP managers, design teams and the wider commercial team.

Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, consultants and key project stakeholders.

Ensure commercial activities remain aligned with construction programmes, design development and procurement schedules.

Provide commercial advice and recommendations to the project leadership team.

Support the resolution of contractual, technical and commercial issues as they arise.

About You

Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor or Senior Quantity Surveyor within MEP, mechanical and electrical subcontracting, or a main contractor environment.

Strong experience procuring and commercially managing substantial MEP packages.

Background working on commercial fit-out, CAT A / CAT B, office refurbishment or other complex commercial construction projects.

Demonstrable experience managing subcontract procurement, tender analysis, scope reviews and commercial negotiations.

Strong understanding of MEP subcontract packages, building services scope and associated commercial risks.

Good knowledge of subcontract terms, variations, valuations, change control and final accounts.

Commercially astute, detail-oriented and confident negotiating with specialist subcontractors.

Able to work autonomously while collaborating effectively with project and commercial teams.

Strong communication, organisational and stakeholder management skills.

The Ideal Candidate

You will be an experienced MEP commercial professional who can take ownership of a significant package, lead procurement negotiations and provide robust commercial management from tender through to final account.

Experience on large-scale commercial fit-out projects is highly desirable, particularly where procurement strategy, subcontractor engagement and cost control are critical to successful project delivery