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Quantity Surveyor – Construction

Nexus Staffing Solutions

Nairobifull time~KES 80k – 130k/mo1d ago

Quick Take

The Role

Prepare Bills of Quantities, cost estimates, and tender documents while monitoring project budgets, conducting site measurements, and liaising with clients and contractors across multiple concurrent construction projects.

You Need

Diploma/Degree in Quantity Surveying or Civil Engineering, 3+ years hands-on QS experience, and ability to independently prepare BOQs and read technical drawings.

You Get

Competitive salary (KES 80,000–130,000/mo), strong career growth within a scaling construction company, and exposure to diverse project types including waterproofing and renovations.

Job Description

Role Overview

Our client, a growing and dynamic construction company operating across waterproofing, renovations, repairs, remodeling, and general construction works, is seeking a highly competent and hands-on Quantity Surveyor to join their team in Nairobi. This is a full-time role ideal for a proactive professional who thrives in a fast-paced construction environment and can confidently manage multiple projects simultaneously from inception through to completion.

The successful candidate will be central to the company's financial and commercial operations, driving accurate project costing, robust tender preparation, effective contract administration, and rigorous cost control. If you have practical field experience in construction — particularly in waterproofing, building maintenance, or renovations — this opportunity offers strong career growth within a company scaling its project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities
  • Prepare accurate Bills of Quantities (BOQs), cost estimates, quotations, and comprehensive tender documents.
  • Conduct detailed material take-offs and develop project budgets aligned to scope and timelines.
  • Analyze project costs continuously and recommend actionable cost-saving measures to management.
  • Evaluate and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure value for money.
  • Conduct site visits, physical measurements, and thorough project assessments.
  • Monitor project progress against approved budgets and flag deviations promptly.
  • Support project managers in planning, scheduling, and resource allocation activities.
  • Prepare detailed project performance reports and cost analysis summaries.
  • Compile and submit tender documentation and contract papers in a timely manner.
  • Assist in contract administration, variation tracking, and preparation of valuation reports.
  • Liaise professionally with clients, suppliers, contractors, and internal project teams.
  • Attend project meetings and represent the company's commercial interests effectively.
  • Maintain meticulous project records, documentation, and filing systems.
  • Prepare weekly and monthly project cost reports and profitability insights for senior management.
Required Skills & Experience
  • Must hold a Diploma or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Economics, Civil Engineering, or a closely related field.
  • Must demonstrate at least 3 years of hands-on experience working on active construction projects in a QS or cost management capacity.
  • Must be able to independently prepare BOQs, cost estimates, and tender documents with minimal supervision.
  • Must be able to read and interpret architectural, structural, and engineering drawings accurately.
  • Must demonstrate experience conducting site measurements and translating findings into cost reports.
  • Must be able to manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining accuracy and meeting deadlines.
  • Must communicate effectively in writing and verbally with clients, contractors, and management teams.
  • Experience in waterproofing, renovations, repairs, remodeling, or general building works is a strong added advantage.
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word) and familiarity with QS software tools is expected.
Salary & Benefits

The salary for this role is competitive and commensurate with experience, estimated in the range of KES 80,000 – 130,000 per month. The exact package will be discussed during the interview process based on qualifications and demonstrated expertise. This is a full-time permanent position with opportunities for career progression as the company grows its project pipeline.

Who Should Apply

Ideal candidate: A self-driven Quantity Surveyor with 3+ years of practical construction experience who can hit the ground running on live projects. You are comfortable on site, detail-oriented in the office, and confident preparing tender documents and BOQs independently. Experience in waterproofing or renovation projects will make your application stand out.

Do not apply if: You have no practical construction site experience, if your experience is purely theoretical or academic, or if you require extensive supervision to produce standard QS deliverables such as BOQs and cost estimates.

How to Apply

Interested and qualified candidates should submit their application through the Nexus Staffing Solutions recruitment portal or via the job listing platform where this posting appears. Ensure your CV clearly highlights your QS experience, types of construction projects handled, and any waterproofing or renovation exposure. Applications close on 23rd June 2026. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. Do not pay any fee at any stage of the recruitment process.

Requirements Breakdown

Must Have

  • Diploma or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Economics, or Civil Engineering
  • Minimum 3 years hands-on experience in QS or cost management on active construction projects
  • Ability to independently prepare BOQs, cost estimates, and tender documents with minimal supervision
  • Proficiency in reading and interpreting architectural, structural, and engineering drawings
  • Experience conducting site measurements and translating findings into cost reports

Nice to Have

  • Practical field experience in waterproofing, building maintenance, or renovation projects
  • Proficiency with QS software and spreadsheet modelling (Excel, BIM tools)
  • Experience in contract administration and variation tracking
  • Knowledge of construction tendering processes and supplier/subcontractor evaluation

Don't meet every requirement? Tailor your CV to close the gap →

Salary Context

Competitive mid-range salary for Quantity Surveyor – Construction in Nairobi

The range of KES 80,000–130,000/mo aligns with mid-career Quantity Surveyors in Kenya's construction sector. Salary within this band typically depends on years of experience, project complexity handled, proven cost-saving track record, and whether the candidate has waterproofing/specialised construction experience. Entry-level QSs start lower; senior QSs managing large portfolios command higher rates.

About Nexus Staffing Solutions

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Nexus Staffing Solutions is a recruitment and staffing firm specialising in placing skilled construction professionals with dynamic contractors across East Africa. They partner with growing construction companies engaged in waterproofing, renovations, repairs, and general works—sectors experiencing steady demand in Kenya's urban development boom. Working through Nexus offers access to a portfolio of scaling clients with strong project pipelines and genuine career advancement opportunities.

Likely Interview Questions

  • 1

    Walk us through a recent project where you prepared a comprehensive BOQ and cost estimate. What was the project value, and how did your final costs compare to actuals?

  • 2

    Describe your experience with site measurements and how you've translated findings into accurate cost reports and flagged budget deviations to management.

  • 3

    Tell us about a time you identified and recommended cost-saving measures on a project. What was the impact, and how did you communicate this to the project team?

  • 4

    How do you prioritise and manage multiple concurrent projects while maintaining accuracy and meeting tender deadlines?

  • 5

    What experience do you have with waterproofing or building maintenance projects, and how does that differ from other construction work you've managed?

Application Tips

  • Quantify your achievements: highlight specific projects with contract values, BOQs prepared, cost savings identified (e.g. '15% reduction in material costs through supplier benchmarking'), and variance management—numbers impress in QS roles.

  • Emphasise hands-on site experience and field-to-office credibility: mention site visits, physical measurement exercises, and how you've translated field observations into rigorous cost reports that influenced project decisions.

  • If you have waterproofing or renovation experience, lead with it—the job description flags this as a preference for their client base. Include any exposure to tender preparation, contract administration, or variation tracking as these are core responsibilities.

Career Path

Roles that lead here

Junior Quantity Surveyor or Cost Estimator (0–2 years experience)
Assistant QS on large projects or quantity surveying graduate trainee
Site Engineer or Assistant Project Manager transitioning into cost management

Where this leads

Senior Quantity Surveyor or QS Lead on larger/complex projects
Commercial Manager or Project Controls Manager
Construction Cost Consultant (independent or boutique firm)
Estimating Manager or Tender Manager for a construction company

Skills & Keywords

quantity surveyorquantity surveyor nairobiconstruction jobs kenyaBOQ preparationcost estimatortender documentsbuilding surveyorconstruction quantity surveyor

Honest Assessment

Green Flags

  • Clear, detailed responsibility list and multiple key accountabilities—shows the role is well-defined and not a catch-all position; you'll know exactly what's expected.
  • Emphasis on 'hands-on' and 'practical field experience'—indicates a company that values real-world competence and site credibility, not just desk skills.
  • Competitive salary band (KES 80,000–130,000) and explicit mention of 'strong career growth' in a 'scaling' company—suggests room for progression and that the company is expanding its project portfolio.
  • Diverse project exposure (waterproofing, renovations, repairs, general works)—keeps the role dynamic and builds broad QS expertise; less routine than single-sector work.

Watch Out

  • Job description cuts off mid-sentence at the end ('Experience in waterproofing…')—suggests the posting may not have been fully proofread or reviewed before publication; clarify full expectations with recruiter.
  • No mention of tools, software, or systems used (e.g. QS packages, ERP, BIM platforms)—ask during interview what technology stack you'll work with to ensure alignment with your skillset.
  • Staffing agency placement (Nexus Staffing Solutions) rather than direct hire; clarify contract length, benefits, and whether this is a permanent placement or fixed-term contract.

A Day in the Life

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Your week starts with a Monday site visit to measure a waterproofing project nearing tender; you photograph, take dimensions, and return to the office to compile a detailed material take-off and BOQ. Tuesday involves analysing supplier quotations for cement and sealants, recommending the best value option to the project manager, and preparing a cost variance report showing a 12% budget overrun on labour that needs escalation. Wednesday you attend a project meeting representing commercial interests, discuss contract terms with a subcontractor, and begin drafting tender documents for a new renovation job. By Thursday you're balancing cost analysis on two concurrent projects, updating budget forecasts in Excel, and preparing weekly cost summaries for senior management. Friday wraps with filing and documentation, answering client queries about cost breakdowns, and planning next week's site inspections.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications do I need to be a Quantity Surveyor – Construction at Nexus Staffing Solutions?

You must hold a Diploma or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Economics, or Civil Engineering, plus a minimum of 3 years hands-on QS or cost management experience on active construction projects. The role requires independent BOQ preparation, drawing interpretation, and site measurement skills.

Is the Quantity Surveyor – Construction role at Nexus Staffing Solutions remote or office-based?

The role is based in Nairobi and is full-time, requiring regular site visits, physical measurements, and on-site project assessments. It is not remote; expect a mix of office and field work.

How much does a Quantity Surveyor – Construction earn at Nexus Staffing Solutions?

The posted salary range is KES 80,000–130,000 per month, depending on experience, project complexity, and track record. Entry-level candidates will sit at the lower end; those with 5+ years and specialised experience (e.g. waterproofing, large contracts) typically command higher pay.

What are the career growth opportunities for this role?

The job description emphasises that the company is 'growing and scaling,' suggesting opportunities to progress to Senior QS, Commercial Manager, or Project Controls Manager roles. Exposure to multiple project types (waterproofing, renovations, general works) builds broad expertise and marketability in Kenya's construction sector.

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