The QS or Construction Cost Manager is responsible for the financial and contractual management of construction and is active in every stage of the development process. Increasingly they direct and help clients achieve their corporate and business requirements throughout a construction project. In both the public and private sectors they contribute to responsible budgeting and achieving value for money. The professional Construction Cost Manager must be skilled in all aspects of the construction programme and building cycle from feasibility to completion. The ability to manage cost effectively, equating quality and value with individual client needs is essential. Within contracting organisations, a QS is also involved in a commercial management role, ensuring that the financial well-being of the business itself is maintained.

Quantity surveyors enjoy a high degree of employability. When the economy is buoyant the demand is driven by new projects, in more austere times, the QS is still valuable as clients try and save money and achieve best value for money.You could find a position in: private practice consultancy government and public authorities commercial clients financial institutions Quantity surveyors are widely employed by construction companies, civil engineering contractors, specialist engineering firms and many sub-contracting organisations.