Interior Fit Out Quantity Surveyor

About The Role

The Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a central role in managing the cost, procurement, contractual, and commercial aspects of interior fit-out projects from a contractor's perspective – from bid estimating and subcontractor procurement at pre-contract stage through to cost control, valuations, and final account close-out at post-contract stage. The role ensures projects are won and delivered within the contracted sum, on programme, and in compliance with client and contractual requirements, in accordance with company standards, industry best practices, and applicable local regulations.

Responsibilities

The Quantity Surveyor (QS) plays a central role within the commercial team; therefore, the QS shall be capable of fulfilling the responsibilities of a Junior Quantity Surveyor (Jr. QS). Where required, the QS shall also undertake Jr. QS duties. The role spans both the Pre-Contract (bidding and procurement set-up) and Post-Contract (delivery, cost control, and close-out) stages of interior fit-out projects, working from the contractor's side to secure and protect project margin.

A. PRE-CONTRACT

Measurement and Quantity Take-off

• Prepare detailed quantity take-offs from tender drawings and specifications using standard methods of measurement (e.g., POMI, NRM) for interior fit-out packages.

• Assist in preparing internal Bills of Quantities (BOQ) and cost breakdowns to support bid pricing and cost planning.

• Check and verify measurement data received from subcontractors, suppliers, or consultants.

Estimating and Tender Pricing (Contractor Bids)

• Analyze tender drawings, specifications, and client BOQs to build up priced bid submissions for interior fit-out packages (joinery, MEP, flooring, ceilings & partitions, glazing, wall finishes, FF&E, etc.).

• Prepare cost estimates and pricing build-ups at various bid stages (budgetary, competitive tender, and negotiated), incorporating labour, material, plant, and preliminaries.

• Assist in compiling qualifications, exclusions, and clarifications to be submitted with the tender.

• Support the Commercial Manager/Estimator in value engineering alternatives to strengthen bid competitiveness while protecting quality and margin.

Subcontractor & Supplier Procurement (Pre-Contract)

• Identify and issue enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers for interior fit-out trade packages in line with the bid programme.

• Prepare enquiry documents, scope-of-work matrices, and pricing schedules for subcontractor and supplier tenders.

• Receive, analyze, and compare subcontractor/supplier quotations, ensuring like-for-like scope and pricing comparisons.

• Negotiate rates and terms with subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing for inclusion in the bid.

• Maintain and build the subcontractor/supplier database, including capability, capacity, and pricing history.

• Support conversion of pre-contract quotations into firm subcontract orders upon contract award.

B. POST-CONTRACT

Post-Contract Cost Management

• Review and verify subcontractor payment applications and recommend interim valuations for approval.

• Prepare and submit interim valuations/payment applications to the client or main contractor, and monitor timely certification and payment.

• Record and evaluate variations (change orders), both incoming from the client and outgoing to subcontractors, to assess cost and time impacts.

• Monitor and report on project cost performance and profitability against the contracted sum and approved budget.

• Assist in preparing monthly cost/value reconciliation (CVR) reports and cash flow forecasts.

• Track provisional sums, prime cost items, and long-lead/FF&E procurement costs against budget.

Subcontract Management & Procurement (Post-Contract)

• Finalize and issue subcontract orders/agreements in line with the awarded scope, programme, and pricing.

• Manage subcontractor valuations, payments, and retention throughout the construction period.

• Evaluate and process subcontractor variations and claims, and negotiate final subcontract accounts.

• Monitor subcontractor performance and escalate commercial or delivery risks to the Senior QS/Commercial Manager.

• Ensure procurement of any late or outstanding packages continues in parallel with site progress without delaying the works.

Contract Administration

• Support in administering the main contract (FIDIC, bespoke fit-out forms, or equivalent) and subcontracts.

• Maintain records of correspondence, change notices, instructions, and other contractual matters.

• Assist the Senior QS in assessing claims and extensions of time (EOT), both from and against the company.

• Support timely notification of claims/entitlements in accordance with contractual notice provisions.

Final Account and Project Closeout

• Prepare and assist in the agreement of final accounts with the client/main contractor and with subcontractors.

• Ensure all cost-related documentation is complete, reconciled, and archived properly.

• Support the commercial closeout of the project, including retention release and defects-related cost items.

Coordination and Communication

• Coordinate with project/site managers, design consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers for cost-related inputs.

• Attend project and progress meetings and report on commercial and procurement progress.

• Communicate clearly with clients and subcontractors regarding cost implications and recommendations.

Reporting and Documentation

• Maintain up-to-date cost records, quantity take-offs, and procurement trackers.

• Prepare cost summaries and detailed reports for the Senior QS/Commercial Manager or project management.

• Support preparation of management presentations and client deliverables.

• Maintain organized project files, including drawings, correspondence, subcontracts, and cost data.

• Ensure proper documentation of all cost and procurement activities for audit and reporting purposes.

• Contribute to the overall efficiency of the commercial/QS department by supporting team priorities.

Professional Development

• Keep updated on current market/subcontractor rates, fit-out construction methods, and materials.

• Comply with company procedures and professional standards (e.g., RICS, AIQS).

• Continuously improve technical and analytical skills under senior guidance.

Requirements

• Diploma in Quantity Surveying or Engineering (Civil / MEP).

• Bachelor's Degree in Quantity Surveying or Engineering (Civil / MEP).

• Minimum of 4–6 years in the related field, ideally gained with an interior fit-out or Design & Build contractor.

• Proven experience in tendering, subcontractor procurement, and Design & Build environments.

• Knowledge of FIDIC contracts and/or bespoke fit-out subcontract forms.

• Extensive understanding of fit-out construction technology, materials, and regulatory requirements.