Job Description

Freelance Job Description – MEP Quantity Surveyor

Location: Cambridge, UK (site-based with some flexibility)
Project: Pharmaceutical Facility
Contract Type: Freelance / Contract (Outside IR35 if applicable)
Duration: 12–18 months (with potential extension)
Start Date: Immediate / As soon as available
Reporting to: Commercial Manager / Project Director

Company Overview

We are a specialist MEP (Mechanical, Electrical & Public Health) contractor delivering complex building services across the pharmaceutical, data centre, and healthcare sectors. Due to the award of a major pharmaceutical project in Cambridge, we are seeking an experienced Freelance MEP Quantity Surveyor to support our project team on a contract basis.

Role Overview

The Freelance MEP Quantity Surveyor will provide commercial and contractual expertise throughout the delivery of this high-value pharmaceutical project. The role will focus on cost control, subcontract management, and financial reporting, ensuring accurate and timely commercial support for the project team.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all MEP commercial activities for the project on a freelance basis.

• Prepare and monitor budgets, cash flows, and forecasts.

• Administer subcontracts: procurement, negotiation, valuations, variations, and final accounts.

• Assess, agree, and process variations and change orders with client and subcontractors.

• Provide accurate cost reporting, including CVRs and forecasts, to the commercial lead.

• Ensure works are measured, valued, and certified in line with contract conditions.

• Attend project meetings to provide commercial support and advice.

• Liaise with procurement to achieve best value and programme compliance.

• Support claims and dispute resolution if required.

Requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent qualification.

• Proven experience as an MEP Quantity Surveyor on large-scale projects.

• Previous pharmaceutical or life sciences project experience (highly desirable).

• Strong knowledge of NEC/JCT forms of contract and subcontract administration.

• Excellent commercial awareness and negotiation skills.

• Ability to work independently while integrating with the project team.

• Available at short notice and able to commit to the project duration.

What’s on Offer

• Day rate: Competitive (dependent on experience).

• Long-term freelance contract on a prestigious pharmaceutical project.

• Outside IR35 potential (to be confirmed with HMRC determination).

• Opportunity to work with a leading MEP contractor in a dynamic project environment.