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Hiring a quantity surveyor (QS) — known as a contract administrator (CA) in Australia and New Zealand — is about more than simply filling a role. It’s about ensuring projects stay on budget, managing risks, and upholding contractual integrity. To learn more about how to manage procurement risks effectively, check out the 10 common risks of construction procurement.
However, finding the right QS can be challenging. The top candidates are often in high demand, meaning delays in hiring can disrupt procurement processes, slow down timelines, and negatively impact your margins.
Once you’ve hired a QS, ensuring they work efficiently is crucial. If they are bogged down with outdated tools, chasing subcontractors, or drowning in administrative tasks, they’ll be less focused on what matters most — protecting your bottom line.
This guide covers how to hire the right QS, which qualifications to look for, and how to empower them with the best tools and processes for the job.
The question every QS is sick of hearing. If you ask a QS, they'll probably say something like: "I manage all the financial aspects of a construction project whilst winding everybody up".
In reality, they're what makes the business of building actually work.
A QS (or CA) plays a vital role in managing the financial and contractual aspects of a construction project. They control costs, assess financial risks, and ensure that subcontractor agreements align with the project’s budget and scope. For more information on managing contracts, check out breaking down complex contracts.
In the UK and Ireland, QSs are often RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) accredited. In Australia and New Zealand, AIQS (Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors) and NZIQS (New Zealand Institute of Quantity Surveyors) are the main professional bodies.
Most QSs have a degree in quantity surveying, construction management, or civil engineering. Senior roles typically require chartered status such as MRICS, FAIQS, or MNZIQS.
A QS steers the financials and contract management of a project. Their key responsibilities include:
Hiring the right QS is just the start. To make them even more effective, ensure they have the right environment and tools. Learn how procurement automation can make their work more efficient.
Without a QS, cost overruns, contract disputes, and payment issues can quickly escalate. Budgets slip, variations go unchecked, and subcontractors may inflate their quotes, increasing unnecessary costs. To understand strategies that help reduce procurement costs, read 3 key strategies for procurement savings in 2025.
The construction industry is full of unpredictability. Material prices fluctuate, labour shortages delay projects, and subcontractor insolvencies lead to costly gaps. A QS ensures accurate pricing, secures competitive terms, and helps mitigate risks. For more insights on how a QS helps in navigating these challenges, visit Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Disputes over scope or payments are common. A QS ensures contract terms are enforced, claims are verified, and documentation is maintained. This oversight prevents small issues from escalating into costly legal battles.
Even smaller projects benefit from a QS. Without proper scope management, you risk overpaying or facing payment disputes. A QS ensures pricing is accurate, contracts are clear, and risks are minimised.
A QS does more than just crunch numbers; they oversee the financial health of your projects. Hiring the wrong person can lead to missed cost savings, disputes, and spiraling budgets. Here’s how to hire the right one.
Not all QS roles are the same. The requirements for a large infrastructure project will differ from those for a high-end residential build.
Clarifying these needs will help you avoid wasting time on irrelevant candidates.
Vague job descriptions attract vague candidates. Be specific:
A well-defined job description ensures you attract the right talent.
A strong CV is not enough. Past performance on similar projects is key.
A quick reference check can provide deeper insight than an interview.
QSs need technical skills, but they also need to thrive in high-pressure environments.
Their answers will reveal if they have the right mindset for your projects.
Once you find your QS, ensure the contract details are clear to prevent misunderstandings.
Clear terms protect both parties from day one.
Salaries for QSs vary based on experience, accreditation, and the scale of the project.
Freelance QSs charge day rates, especially those specialising in dispute resolution or expert witness work.
Hiring the right QS is important, but providing them with the right tools is crucial for maximising their impact. If your QS is bogged down with manual tasks, they can’t focus on controlling costs or mitigating risks.
Investing in modern procurement systems, like ProcurePro, streamlines workflows, improves collaboration, and boosts overall efficiency. ProcurePro also offers training and certification for QSs, ensuring they’re equipped to manage procurement with cutting-edge tools.
Your QS shouldn’t be spending time chasing emails or waiting for updates. With real-time tracking, issues are flagged immediately, so they can be resolved before becoming problems.
"We've now got data in one, clear, concise portal. It's up-to-date. It's accurate." — Kori Construction Managing Director, Jordan Connachie, on ProcurePro.
Manually entering data into spreadsheets is slow and error-prone. Automation standardises pricing and flags discrepancies instantly, saving time and reducing errors.
Automation gives your QS more time to negotiate the best deals.
Contract delays can derail your project timeline. Pre-approved templates, auto-generated scopes, and integrated e-signatures speed up the process and reduce bottlenecks.
Faster execution keeps your project on track.
The right technology can transform your QS’s performance. At ProcurePro, we offer a platform that simplifies procurement, enhances efficiency, and reduces risks. Plus, we offer certifications for QSs who are trained in modern procurement systems, ensuring they’re equipped with the skills to drive your projects forward.
Book a demo today to see how ProcurePro can help your team work smarter, not harder.
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