Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Assistant Quantity Surveyor

Application Deadline: 31 August 2026 Department: Contracting - Misc Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time Location: Edinburgh Compensation: £32,488 - £39,290 / year

About the Role

You will support the commercial team in a privately owned archaeological business, part of the RSK Group, a leader in integrated environmental, engineering, and technical services. This is an opportunity to support the growth of an evolving commercial department and promote good practice within a successful business.

Headland provides heritage services to the development and construction sectors in the UK and across the world. With four offices in England and one in Scotland, the company has provided business-focused archaeology for the past 30 years and is highly respected within the industry for achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and expertise in commercial archaeology.

Responsibilities

• Support the commercial team in reviewing contracts, identifying commercial risks and understanding contractual obligations
• Assist in the commercial management of archaeological projects from tender stage through to completion
• Support the preparation and submission of client quotations, tenders and variations
• Draft and administer contractual notices including early warnings, compensation events, applications for payment and final accounts
• Assist with change management processes, ensuring variations and additional works are recorded, valued and recovered in accordance with contract requirements
• Develop an understanding of contract administration and dispute avoidance practices, particularly under NEC and other commonly used forms of contract
• Assist with the procurement and commercial administration of subcontractors and suppliers where required
• Review, audit and manage supply chain finances, including reviewing subcontractor applications, invoices and supporting documentation
• Work closely with Project Managers, Consultants and operational teams to monitor project performance, costs, budgets and profitability
• Support the preparation of project cost reports, cash flow forecasts and other commercial reporting requirements
• Help maintain accurate project financial records and contribute to the continuous improvement of commercial processes and controls
• Support the collection, analysis and presentation of project financial data to aid commercial decision-making
• Build positive working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders
• Help support and educate section, department and project managers in commercial activities, improving commercial awareness across the business
• Develop an understanding of archaeological project delivery and the commercial challenges associated with archaeological works
• Undertake occasional travel to Headland offices and project sites to support project delivery, commercial reviews and client engagement
• Contribute to the development of commercial best practice within the organisation and support the wider commercial team as required

Working Arrangements

Locations: Hereford, Silsoe, Cleckheaton, Edinburgh or Manchester

This role offers hybrid working with the opportunity to work from home. You will be required to attend Headland offices and project sites as business needs dictate. Travel to project sites is typically expected between one and four times per month.

Key Skills Required

• Educated to degree level in a related discipline such as Quantity Surveying
• Excellent numerical and IT skills (Excel, Teams, Word and finance systems)
• Good communicator
• Knowledge of a wide range of contract types including NEC
• Experience of producing early warnings, compensation events and applications for payment
• Ability to work confidently and professionally with clients
• Driving licence and willingness/ability to drive

Desirable Skills

• Ability to use software packages such as Microsoft Project, Primavera and others
• Negotiation skills
• Experience of undertaking quantity surveying on construction sites
• Experience of producing and reporting on project finances
• Good time management

Why Should You Apply?

Unique knowledge and expertise. For the past 30 years, Headland has provided not only business-focused archaeology but also people-focused business. We are highly respected within our industry for our achievements in innovation, tailor-made development coaching and training, and our expertise in commercial archaeology.

Strong pioneering spirit. Our corporate culture is characterised by a healthy appetite for originality and development.

Stable company with excellent growth. Over the years, we have demonstrated steady, positive economic development and formed successful partnerships.

Good work environment. You will be surrounded by colleagues who are pleasant, professional, and enthusiastic about their work.

Opportunity to influence. You get to work in an open climate, close to decision makers and with the possibility of making a difference.

Part of RSK Group. You will have further opportunities to become involved in nationally and internationally prominent projects with exciting prospects for career development. The group has c.17,000 employees and c.230 environmentally lead companies.

In Headland we are proud of our people. We will support you to meet your goals and train you in relevant commercial and archaeological matters to feel confident and succeed in your role.

Benefits

• Competitive paid subsistence when applicable
• Paid accommodation when staying away
• Use of cutting-edge technology on site, e.g. paperless systems, iPads etc
• Ongoing regular training in various areas e.g. Health & Safety, Technical areas and transferable skills
• Time off in lieu of time worked above standard hours or overtime paid
• Annual profit discretionary bonus & performance-related bonus schemes
• Annual pay review
• 30 days annual leave, rising based on service length
• Extra annual leave purchase scheme
• 5%-6% employer contribution to pension scheme
• Income Protection Policy, after a year with Headland
• Life Assurance Policy, insuring you four times your annual salary, after a year with Headland
• Regular performance, wellbeing & professional development check-ins
• Referral scheme with generous fee
• A support group of 30+ Mental Health First Aiders
• Regular offers through RSK Group (e.g. Tastecard, Gym membership discount, Holidays and Entertainment)
• Employee Assistance Programme (advice on finance, mental health etc)
• Paid professional membership with MRICS
• Cycle to work scheme