About the role:

Gentoo is a values-led, charitable organisation that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We have a clear vision and a social purpose. We believe that everyone has the right to live in a good quality home that they can afford.
We have a rare opportunity for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor to join Gentoo’s Asset Property Investment team. It is a great time to join us as we continue with our ambitious and exciting 5-year investment plan, delivering over £ 200m worth of planned improvements to our customer's homes.

In the role of Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will be based at our Doxford Park, Sunderland head office. Report directly to our Contracts Manager, John, who has worked for Gentoo for over 20 years and has significant experience in the overall management and delivery of the Gentoo Planned Investment programme. You will play a leading role and be responsible for the overall financial management, coordination and reporting of the Group’s planned investment schemes annually. Ensuring the Group delivers the investment plan (circa £ 42m pa) and achieves value for money while meeting KPIs.

This role will be responsible for the overall management of all commercial matters in connection with the delivery of Gentoo Group's planned investment programme and will lead the effective commercial and financial management of Gentoo’s planned, compliance and sustainability-related investment programmes. This will include the provision of accurate and timely pre-contract documentation with the Asset Planning and Strategy team, tender valuations, accurate budget forecasting, post-quantity surveying duties, managing the purchase order process and ensuring the payment of contractors on time. This will include implementing and administering the most appropriate forms of contract for project values and work types to offer Gentoo the most advantageous contract terms.

The role is subject to a basic DBS paid for by Gentoo.

Key responsibilities will include the following, a full job description is available to view at www.gentoogroup.com/careers

Responsible for the overall commercial management of Gentoo's planned, cyclical, responsive, sustainability and compliance investment works programmes including the management of the Quantity Surveying team.

Ensure the Asset Delivery Commercial Procedure is diligently followed.

Act as an integral member of Gentoos “Core Groups” managing our major investment programmes from a commercial perspective
Monitor the performance of contracts and contractors against tenders and budgets and provide associated cost information, challenging variations, and cost increases.

Direct responsibility for the financial management of some individual investment projects acting as the appointed Quantity Surveyor as required.

Ensure accurate record keeping of all associated and relevant documentation concerning the investment schemes that you are responsible for leading, either directly or via your team.

What we are looking for:

A recognised degree-level qualification in Quantity Surveying or considerable demonstrable and/or significant relevant experience is essential.

Experience of operating at a similar level/role within a diverse organisation.

MRICS – Chartered Quantity Surveyor is desirable.

A full UK driving licence.

Demonstrable experience managing a commercially disciplined team of Quantity Surveyors.

Commercial experience in the planning and delivery of social housing planned investment, compliance, and sustainability programmes.
Construction contracts and their effective selection for appropriate work types to protect Gentoo from financial risk and ensure, the administration of formal Forms of Contract.

Financial negotiation with Principal Contractors to achieve value engineering and value for money across all areas of construction disciplines whilst maintaining required standards.

Proven experience in managing relationships with customers, internal and external stakeholders to drive efficiencies and financial performance.

Experience in creating and maintaining a commercial culture with excellent customer service delivery to ensure all contracts are delivered with value for money.

Preparation and settlement of interim valuations and final accounts including appropriate negotiation with principal contractors’ commercial teams.

Variation control, challenge, and negotiation with contractors to limit the impact of contract costs.

Some of our great benefits include:
31 days annual leave (plus bank holidays) with an option to purchase up to 5 additional days per year.
12.30 pm finish on a Fridays
Flexible and hybrid working.
Free Health Cash Plan, with cashback for dental, optical, physio, wellbeing therapies and more, with some free child cover.
Access to private healthcare through the Health Cash Plan.
Competitive Aviva pension scheme - Gentoo will contribute up to 10% based on your personal contribution.
Salary sacrifice electric vehicle scheme
Enhanced family-friendly leave
Car mileage allowance if you use your personal vehicle for business purposes.
Life assurance cover to the value of 3 times your annual salary.

Closing date:

21-Jul-2024

We're a housing association that provides more than 60,000 people in Sunderland with a place they can call home. We're a values-driven organisation, with a clear vision, a social purpose and a commitment to investing in people, place and property. We believe everyone has the right to live in a good quality home they can afford and invest millions of pounds every year in keeping our existing homes safe, secure, and compliant.

We're also playing our part in addressing the UK housing crisis locally, by building hundreds of new, modern and contemporary homes for rent in Sunderland - homes that meet the needs of local people. Not only do we provide vital housing - we support our tenants, residents and communities by investing in services that help people live their best possible life.

This includes helping people to work, victims of domestic abuse and anti-social behaviour, young people to live independently, as well as a wellbeing service that supports our elderly tenants and residents.