QS Manager

The Quantity Surveyor (QS) Department is the financial nerve center of a construction company. Its core responsibility is to manage all costs and contractual matters related to a construction project, from the initial bid to the final settlement. In the context of an Indian construction company, the QS department is vital for ensuring project profitability and navigating the complex financial landscape of the industry, which includes fluctuating material costs, diverse labor rates, and a competitive tendering environment.

The roles and responsibilities of the Quantity Surveyor Department can be broken down by the different phases of a construction project.

I. Pre-Construction Phase

This phase is about setting the financial foundation for the project and securing the contract.

• Cost Estimation and Budgeting: The QS department is responsible for preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for new projects. This involves:
• Analyzing architectural, structural, and service drawings and specifications.
• Conducting a "quantity take-off" to measure and calculate the precise quantities of materials, labor, and equipment required.
• Applying current market rates for materials and labor in the specific region to arrive at a total estimated cost.
• Developing a comprehensive project budget that includes direct costs, indirect costs (overheads), and a profit margin.
• Feasibility Studies & Value Engineering: The QS team conducts financial feasibility studies to assess if a project is commercially viable. They also perform "value engineering" exercises, which involve identifying cost-saving alternatives for materials or construction methods without compromising on quality or functionality.
• Tendering and Bid Management: The QS department plays a crucial role in the tendering process.
• Preparing the Bill of Quantities (BOQ): They create the BOQ, a detailed document that lists all the work items and their quantities. This serves as a basis for contractors to submit their bids.
• Preparing Tender Documents: They draft and compile all tender documents, including the BOQ, terms and conditions, and contract forms.
• Tender Evaluation: They analyze and evaluate the bids submitted by subcontractors and suppliers to ensure they are complete, accurate, and competitive.
• Contract Drafting and Negotiation: The QS team assists the legal and projects departments in drafting and reviewing contracts with clients, sub-contractors, and suppliers, ensuring that the financial and contractual terms are clear and favorable to the company. They also use their negotiation skills to secure the best possible deals.

II. Construction Phase

During the construction phase, the QS department's focus shifts to monitoring and controlling costs in real time.

• Cost Control and Monitoring: This is a continuous process where the QS team tracks all project expenditures against the approved budget. They identify any cost overruns or variances and report them to the Project Manager and senior management, recommending corrective actions.
• Valuation of Work & Payment Certification: The QS team is responsible for assessing the value of the work completed on-site by sub-contractors and the company's own teams.
• They conduct site measurements and verify completed work against the project plan.
• They prepare and certify Running Account (RA) Bills or Interim Payment Certificates for contractors, ensuring they are paid fairly for the work completed.
• Change Order Management (Variations): The Indian construction industry is known for frequent design changes and scope variations. The QS department's role is critical here:
• They identify and document all changes or variations to the original contract.
• They prepare a detailed cost estimate for each change order and negotiate a fair price with the client.
• They ensure that the company is compensated for all extra work and time due to these variations.
• Procurement Management: The QS department works closely with the Procurement department to ensure materials and equipment are purchased at the best possible prices. They verify the quantities ordered and received against the BOQ to prevent wastage and over-ordering.
• Sub-contractor Management: The QS team manages the contractual and financial relationship with sub-contractors. This includes:
• Creating work orders and sub-contracts.
• Verifying and approving their invoices.
• Assessing claims for delays or extra work.

III. Post-Construction Phase

Once the project is nearing completion, the QS department is responsible for the final financial closure.

• Final Accounts: They prepare the final account for the project, which is a comprehensive statement of all costs incurred, including any variations and claims. This is a critical document used for settling all final payments with the client and sub-contractors.
• Claims and Dispute Management: They assist in managing and resolving any contractual disputes or claims that arise with clients or sub-contractors, often providing expert analysis and documentation to support the company's position.
• Lessons Learned: The QS department conducts a final analysis of project costs to identify lessons learned. This data is invaluable for future bidding and improving the accuracy of future cost estimates.

Skills and Qualities Required

A successful Quantity Surveyor in India needs a unique combination of skills:

• Technical Knowledge: A strong understanding of civil engineering, construction methods, and materials.
• Numerical and Analytical Skills: Exceptional ability to work with numbers, analyze data, and create financial models.
• Legal and Contractual Acumen: A solid grasp of Indian contract law and construction contracts (e.g., FIDIC).
• Communication and Negotiation Skills: The ability to communicate complex financial information clearly and negotiate effectively with clients, contractors, and suppliers.
• Attention to Detail: Meticulous attention to detail is non-negotiable, as even small errors in quantities or pricing can lead to significant financial losses.

Education:- Bachelor's degree in quantity surveying, engineering, management, or similar

Minimum Experience:- 5 to 10 years of experience in quantity surveying or cost management

Contact:

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: ₹50, ₹60,000.00 per month

Benefits:

• Provident Fund

Work Location: In person