Senior Quantity Surveyor – Northwest & Central Rail Framework (0831)

We are hiring Senior Quantity Surveyors to join our team at Octavius, working on a growing range of rail infrastructure projects in the Northwest and Central regions.

Octavius is a leading civil engineering company delivering safe, sustainable, and efficient transport solutions throughout the UK. As we expand our presence in the North, this is an excellent opportunity to join at the beginning of a long-term framework and play a key role in how it is delivered.

We have been appointed to Network Rail's North West & Central Capital Delivery Framework (CP7: 2024–2029), delivering multi-disciplinary rail projects along the West Coast Main Line corridor, from London through to the North West and beyond. Find out more about the framework here:

Octavius Infrastructure | Key Contract Win with Network Rail | for CP7 in NW&C Region

You'll be working on…

You'll be part of a major programme of works delivering new rail infrastructure, station builds, and electrification projects in the Northwest and Midlands. This includes:

• New station developments, upgrades and related infrastructure
• Rail electrification and power schemes
• Asset Framework Agreements (AFAs) for ongoing network improvements

Typical schemes range from £7m to £50m, with complex, multi-disciplinary delivery covering civils, buildings and rail systems.

Some of our upcoming major projects, valued at around £25–30m, include a new fully accessible station (with car park, footbridge and lifts) and a major traction power upgrade for electrification on the West Coast Main Line. These projects sit within a wider long-term CP7 programme, offering continuity of work and the opportunity to shape delivery from design through to build.

In this role, you'll

• Lead the commercial management of your projects, ensuring strong financial performance
• Manage costs, forecasting, CVR and reporting, giving clarity to the wider team
• Oversee procurement and subcontractor management
• Manage risk, change and opportunities
• Support and develop junior commercial team members

Where you'll fit

We're recruiting for two positions within the same programme

• North West-focused role working on major station and infrastructure projects around Manchester and Lancashire
• Central / Midlands role working on electrification, power schemes and AFAs in locations including Crewe, Birmingham and further south

You'll be aligned to a core workstream but work as part of a wider, collaborative commercial team delivering across the framework.

Early in the programme, you'll typically work up to three days on site, with the team usually in Crewe on Wednesdays and Manchester on Thursdays.

As projects move into build, increased site presence will be expected.

Why this role stands out

• Join a major Rail framework (2024–2029) at the start of delivery
• Opportunity to shape projects from design through to build
• Be part of building a regional commercial capability in a growing framework
• Work on larger, long-term infrastructure schemes, not short-term work

This is an opportunity to join a programme that combines station builds, civils and rail systems, giving real variety and career development.

You'll receive…

We offer a competitive rewards package, including

• Company Car scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Pension and Life Assurance
• 25 days Annual Leave, plus a day off for your birthday
• Hybrid working where possible
• Enhanced family leave packages
• Ongoing development and career progression opportunities

About you…

You're either already working at Senior Quantity Surveyor level, or you're an experienced QS ready to step up into a more senior, independent role.

You're comfortable managing your own workload, building relationships, and providing commercial insight to project teams.

You'll bring

• Experience as a QS or Senior Quantity Surveyor within infrastructure or civil engineering
• Strong knowledge of cost management, forecasting and contract administration
• Experience of working with NEC contracts (ideally NEC4)
• Background in rail or similar complex infrastructure environments
• Confidence managing supply chain and subcontractor relationships
• Experience in rail electrification or power projects (desirable)

Why join Octavius?

At Octavius, you'll be trusted to take ownership, supported to grow, and encouraged to make a real impact. As we build our presence in the North, this is a rare opportunity to join at the start of a long-term framework, shape how it's delivered, and grow your career alongside it.

Is it time to step into a role where you can make a real mark on major infrastructure projects?

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive.

We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.