Quantity Surveyor – Social Housing

Who Are We:

Cardo Group is a trusted provider of building maintenance, refurbishment, and retrofit services for social housing and public sector buildings across the UK. With nationwide coverage and skilled local teams, we deliver a reliable end-to-end service that ensures homes and public spaces are safe, sustainable, and well-maintained.

We specialise in responsive repairs and voids, planned maintenance, energy-efficiency upgrades, compliance works, and major improvement programmes. Our approach combines quality workmanship, strong resident communication, and efficient project delivery to achieve the best outcomes for customers and communities.

Driven by ambitious growth plans, we continue to expand our capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our reputation is built on consistent service delivery, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As we grow, so do the opportunities – for our people, our clients, and the communities we support.

Cardo Group is becoming one of the UK’s most forward-thinking maintenance and retrofit providers. Do you want to be part of something great?

We are currently recruiting for a Quantity Surveyor to join our team in Hemel Hempstead.

Role Overview:

To provide effective commercial and cost management services across social housing projects, ensuring works are delivered within budget, to the required quality standards, and in accordance with contractual obligations, relevant legislation, and the organisation’s policies.

The Quantity Surveyor will manage project costs from initial estimating and tendering through to final account settlement, supporting the delivery of high-quality, cost-effective housing maintenance, refurbishment, and improvement programmes while achieving value for money for residents and the organisation.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare cost estimates, budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasts for social housing projects.
• Monitor project expenditure against approved budgets and identify potential cost overruns.
• Produce regular cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and financial updates for senior management.
• Identify opportunities for cost savings and value engineering without compromising quality, safety, or resident outcomes.
• Maintain accurate commercial records and ensure financial information is up to date.
• Prepare tender documentation, schedules of rates, and pricing documents.
• Obtain and evaluate competitive tenders from contractors and subcontractors.
• Undertake commercial assessments, tender analysis, and recommendations for contract awards.
• Assist with the preparation and administration of contracts, including JCT and other relevant forms of construction contract.
• Administer construction and maintenance contracts in accordance with agreed terms and conditions.
• Assess interim payment applications, valuations, variations, and applications for payment.
• Prepare and agree final accounts with contractors and subcontractors.
• Manage contractual changes, extensions of time, compensation events, and other commercial matters as applicable to the contract.
• Identify commercial risks and ensure appropriate mitigation measures are implemented.
• Maintain robust records to support contractual decisions and financial assessments.
• Monitor costs associated with external improvements, Retrofit and major refurbishment projects.
• Review contractor performance against agreed schedules of rates, specifications, service levels, and key performance indicators.
• Support the effective delivery of works in occupied properties, taking account of resident needs, access arrangements, disruption, and safeguarding requirements.
• Develop effective working relationships with contractors, consultants, project managers, housing officers, and asset management teams.
• Attend progress meetings, commercial reviews, site meetings, and project review sessions.
• Investigate and resolve commercial disputes and discrepancies.
• Ensure all commercial activities comply with relevant legislation, contractual requirements, and organisational procedures.
• Support compliance with health and safety requirements, building regulations, and applicable housing standards.
• Promote value for money, transparency, probity, and responsible use of public or housing association funds.
• Support the management of commercial risks and the resolution of non-compliant or defective works.
• Prepare monthly commercial reports, budget updates, and performance information.

You Will Need:

• Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related construction discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Experience working as a Quantity Surveyor or in a similar commercial role within construction, property maintenance, refurbishment, or social housing.
• Knowledge of cost planning, tendering, valuations, variations, and final account preparation.
• Experience of contractor management and commercial negotiations.
• Understanding of construction contracts, procurement procedures, and cost reporting.
• Strong numerical, analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent in Microsoft Excel and other relevant commercial or project management systems.

Desirable Qualifications & Experience:

• Experience working for a housing association, local authority, or social housing contractor.
• Experience managing responsive repairs, voids, planned maintenance, or major works programmes.
• Knowledge of JCT contracts, schedules of rates, and measured-term contracts.

We Will Provide:

•  Excellent development and progression opportunities
• Competitive Salary
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Range of Salary Sacrifice Schemes [holiday purchase, EV schemes, AVC Pension contributions]
• Life Assurance cover
• Wellbeing Resources and Counselling services
• Retail & Lifestyle Discount Platform
• Enhanced Family Leave Provisions
• Recognition initiatives and awards
• Occupational Sick Pay

Please note all our roles are subject to Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.

Why Join Cardo Group?

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is rooted in our core values:

• Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and achieve more together.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in everything we do.
• Excellence – We set high standards and deliver quality for our people and our customers.
• Respect – We value every individual and create a space where all voices are heard.

We ensure fair opportunities, embrace diverse backgrounds and experiences, and foster a culture where everyone truly belongs. Join us on our ambitious, exciting, and inclusive journey.