Quantity Surveyor at NRF National Research Foundation

About the position

Postion Summary:
The Quantity Surveyor role is required to manage and optimise the financial aspects of engineering and construction projects. This role includes expertise in cost estimation, contract administration, and risk management, contributing to the successful execution of projects. The role also provides guidance on procurement strategies, prepares tender and contract documents, identifies and addresses commercial risks, analyses tender costings, establishes financial control systems, and oversees subcontractor allocations. Quantity Surveyors also negotiate to maintain budget adherence, offer advice on contractual claims, report on project progress, evaluate completed work for valuation and payment, and stay updated on relevant contract conditions and health and safety regulations.

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform detailed quantity take-offs and measurements for project components and materials
• Prepare accurate cost estimates for engineering, technology development and construction projects, including materials, labour, equipment, and other associated expenses
• Develop and manage project budgets, track costs, and ensure adherence to budgetary constraints throughout the project lifecycle
• Monitor project costs, analyse discrepancies, and implement cost control measures to keep the project within budget
• Prepare tender pricing schedules (incl
• BOQs), evaluate bids, and make recommendations for the selection of contractors and suppliers
• Assist the Project Manager in the preparation of contractual agreements
• Assess and manage variations and change orders, ensuring proper documentation and agreement with stakeholders
• Valuing completed work and arranging payments
• Identify potential risks related to cost, contracts, and project scope and develop strategies to mitigate them
• Prepare regular reports on project financials, including cost forecasts, cash flow projections, and financial performance executive reports
• Maintain effective communication with clients (internal & external stakeholders), providing updates on project cost status and addressing their concerns
• Ensure that the quality of work and materials align with project specifications and standards
• Stay updated with relevant laws, regulations, and industry standards affecting quantity surveying and construction projects
• Lead and manage various supply contracts
• Ensuring that final accounts are negotiated and agreed in a timely manner
• Establishing and operating cost and financial control systems
• Contribute towards the development and/or maintenance of project management framework and processes
• Continuous professional development according to council guidelines; Research/literature studies on quantity surveying to improve expertise; Liaise with relevant bodies/councils on quantity survey-related matters

Minimum Qualification:

• Honours Degree / Post Graduate Qualification / Professional Qualification / NQF 8

Minimum Experience:

• 4-4 years

• Honours Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related fieldRegistration with a relevant professional membership (Advantageous)

Experience:

• A minimum of 4 years’ substantial and demonstrable quantity surveying experience in the engineering and construction sector
• A strong technical cost management, estimating competency, regulations, and industry standardsDemonstrable experience in large-scale engineering and construction contractsExperience in Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of project management, planning, risk, and cost controlContract Management according to NEC4, FIDIC & GCC (preferred)Able to accurately forecast cost Proficiency in quantity surveying software and toolsProject Management theory, principles, standards, and best practiceProject EstimationProcurement and Contract ManagementProject EstimationPublic Finance Management Act

Additional Notes:
Skills/Ability/Competencies * Strong decision-making Excellent communication - both verbal and written, in English * Good analytical and planning skills Efficiency in a high-pressure environment Excellent mathematical and analytical skills Efficiency in a high-pressure environment Proactive Financial management Problem solving Proficient in using quantity surveying software and MS Office Suite Willingness to work outside normal hours * Problem-solving No constraints on ability to travel within South Africa and InternationallyThe NRF website provides more details on the initiatives and activities Applicants should submit a comprehensive CV by registering and apply online through the NRF Recruitment and Selection Portal. Applications should be accompanied by a letter of motivation indicating the applicant·s suitability for the position. The names and contact details of at least three referees should be provided.

Desired Skills:

• Skilled in applied field of position
• Knowledge to be relevant
• Responsible in performing duties

About The Employer:

The National Research Foundation (NRF) supports and promotes research and human capital development through funding, the provision of National Research Facilities and science outreach platforms and programmes to the broader community in all fields of science and technology, including natural sciences, engineering, social sciences and humanities. The South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) implements South Africa's strategic investments in radio astronomy, including the international Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which covers a broad range of engineering and scientific activities. SARAO is a National Facility of the National Research Foundation, and incorporates radio astronomy and space geodesy instruments and programmes such as the MeerKAT telescope in the Karoo, the Hartebeesthoek Radio Astronomy Observatory (HartRAO) in Gauteng, the Africa Radio Astronomy Programme across nine African countries, as well as associated human capital development and commercialisation endeavours.