Trainee Quantity Surveyor

A & J Stephen Builders Limited

stephen.co.uk

Role Purpose

Based at our office in Perth, this entry-level role is designed for an enthusiastic individual looking to build a career in commercial management within the housebuilding sector. Working directly under the Commercial Manager, the Trainee Quantity Surveyor will gain hands-on experience across all financial and contractual aspects of residential developments, from initial site procurement through to house completions. The successful candidate will be trained to undertake the key responsibilities of the role. Their initial focus will be learning-based tasks and providing administrative support until they are fully confident and ready to independently manage these duties.

Key Responsibilities

Financial & Commercial Management

• Assist in preparing development budgets, bill of quantities (BoQ), and cost estimates for housing developments.
• Support the measurement of architectural and engineering drawings to quantify materials, labour and plant requirements.
• Assist in tracking construction costs on live housing developments and updating cost control systems.
• Support the Commercial Manager in processing variation orders and managing variations on site.

Subcontractor & Procurement Support

• Help compile and issue tender packages to trade subcontractors (e.g. groundworks, bricklaying, joinery, plumbing).
• Assist in evaluating incoming subcontractor tenders, preparing comparison sheets and setting up trade packages.
• Raising and managing purchase orders in line with development budgets.
• Carry out site visits to measure completed trade work and support the processing of monthly subcontractor valuations and payments.

Site & Administrative Support

• Attend regular progress meetings on active housing developments.
• Maintain clear commercial records, contract documentation, and procurement schedules.
• Collaborate with Site Managers, Technical Teams and external suppliers to resolve financial and supply queries.

Candidate Profile

Educational Qualifications

We welcome applications from candidates at varying stages of their education including:

• School Leavers: Minimum National 5s (Mathematics and English are mandatory). Ideally Higher qualifications in relevant subjects (e.g. Mathematics, Graphic Communication, Accounting and Business) are preferred.
• Higher Education: Candidates holding or studying toward an HNC, HND, or recognized degree in Quantity Surveying, Building Surveying or Construction Management from a college or university.

Technical & Personal Skills

• Numeracy & Data: Good standard of mathematical ability and comfort working with figures and measurements.
• IT Competency: Basic to intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office particularly Excel.
• Communication: Clear verbal and written skills for liaising with site teams, sub-contractors, and suppliers.
• Work Ethic & Curiosity: Eagerness to learn the commercial mechanics of residential housebuilding.
• Driving License: Full UK driving license (or actively learning) is required to allow travel to housing developments.

Professional Development & Further Education



While this is a full-time operational role, the company actively supports ongoing professional growth.

For candidates wishing to pursue further academic qualifications (such as a part-time HNC, HND, or Graduate Apprenticeship / BSc Degree in Quantity Surveying), formal study support may be offered upon review and agreement with the Employer.