Inside the role of a quantity surveyor

Both are involved from early feasibility through to completion, contributing to the commercial delivery of our projects.

Their role helps ensure delivery aligns with agreed budgets, contractual requirements and client expectations.

As Kelly explains:

“A team player and strong communicator, the Barr Build QS is responsible for ensuring the construction team has the required information to deliver the project in line with the bill of quantities. Where there are deviations, the QS prices variations or confirms provisional sums. A Barr Build QS liaises both upstream with the client or their team and downstream with subcontractors, providing clear instructions throughout.”

For Anna, the structure of the role is equally important. The QS works to a defined monthly schedule, which provides the framework for managing valuations, forecasts, procurement and subcontractor payments across each commission.

“Within that monthly schedule, each project will have a valuation to submit and agree with the client’s QS, a project meeting with the client team, pricing variations that have arisen, updating internal forecasts to review with the Commercial Manager, checking and certifying subcontractor payments, and procuring packages or materials that need ordering.”

Alongside this structure, adaptability is essential. Anna and Kelly work closely together within the commercial team, with Anna mentoring Kelly as she continues to develop in the role.

“There is no typical day — and I love that,” Kelly says. “The role is very self-driven and requires a high amount of motivation. The monthly schedule provides the framework we work within, but the ability to adapt to sudden variation requests or unforeseen issues on site is equally important.”

That mix of structure and unpredictability is one of the aspects both Anna and Kelly enjoy most.

“Seeing a project that you have worked on for a year or more come to fruition gives a huge sense of pride,” says Anna. “I love working in a small team of like-minded people who are motivated and passionate about bringing our clients’ dreams to life.”

Kelly agrees:

“The variability and intensity of each day and week keep the drive very much alive — there is zero time to get bored. I like that my time is split between focused solo work, such as forecasting and valuing subcontractor works, and being part of a team with a shared goal of delivering a high-quality project that fulfils the client’s brief.”

Women in Construction Week 2026 provides an opportunity to reflect on representation across the sector. Women currently make up around 15% of the UK construction workforce, with participation increasing among new entrants, where up to 37% of roles are now filled by women. However, representation remains significantly lower in site-based roles, with women accounting for around 1–2% of manual on-site positions and approximately 2% of skilled trades. 

For Kelly, the message to those considering the profession is clear:

“The construction and built environment sector accounts for around 20% of the UK’s GDP, so it’s a significant and worthwhile sector to work in. Without a doubt, the right career is out there for anyone wanting to join the profession. Don’t worry about stereotypical assumptions of it being male-dominated — times are changing, and I have felt very welcome and valued in my role.”

Anna shares similar encouragement:

“To anyone considering a job in construction, I would say just go for it. There is no limit to the projects you can work on, the people you can meet and the distance you can go. Construction has something for everyone — whether it’s major infrastructure, commercial buildings or bespoke dream homes — there is a place for every person and every skill set.”

For both Anna and Kelly, quantity surveying offers variety, responsibility and the satisfaction of seeing tangible results. Their role plays a vital part in turning plans into completed buildings.

If you are interested in a career in quantity surveying or would like to learn more about opportunities with us, please visit our careers page or contact the team to discuss apprenticeships, placements and professional development routes.

Workforce statistics referenced in this article are based on recent industry analysis and reporting from The Access Group, BCIS (Building Cost Information Service), Simian Risk, Approach Personnel and L&Q Group, drawing on national data relating to gender representation within the UK construction sector.