Quantity Surveying - Summer Placement

Who we are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company, delivering important projects across sectors including healthcare, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and the environment.

The company puts its people at the heart of its success, promoting an inclusive culture where everyone has a voice and different perspectives are valued. Its core values are Everyone has a voice, Do the right thing, Take pride in what you do, and Bring better to life.

The opportunity

At Tilbury Douglas, you won’t just be taking a year out from university – you’ll be helping to deliver essential infrastructure that makes a real difference to people and communities.

Our Summer Placement gives you the opportunity to experience what it is really like to work in construction and commercial management. As a Summer Placement Quantity Surveyor, you’ll work alongside our commercial and project teams, gaining practical experience of how we manage costs, contracts and commercial decisions on live projects.

You’ll see first-hand how Quantity Surveyors support successful project delivery by managing costs, maximising value and working closely with operational, design and supply chain teams.

You'll be site-based role within an hour of Livingston, working with our Regional Building team in the Scottish region. You will need flexibility to travel across project sites in the region as part of your placement.

You’ll learn from experienced professionals, contribute to real project activity and gain valuable experience to support your studies and future career.

What you’ll be doing

As a Summer Placement Quantity Surveyor, you’ll develop practical commercial skills and gain valuable experience of the activities involved in delivering a construction project.

No two days are the same and, with the support of experienced colleagues, you’ll:

• Assist with the day-to-day commercial management of construction projects.
• Support the preparation of cost estimates, budgets and financial information.
• Gain an understanding of how subcontractors and suppliers are procured and managed.
• Assist with reviewing quotations and comparing costs to support procurement decisions.
• Support the preparation and assessment of subcontractor valuations and payments.
• Help monitor project costs and understand how expenditure is tracked against budgets.
• Gain exposure to the management of variations and changes, and understand how these affect project costs.
• Assist with maintaining accurate commercial records, reports and project documentation.
• Develop an understanding of construction contracts and how contractual requirements influence project delivery.
• Attend project and commercial meetings to understand how progress, costs, risks and opportunities are managed.
• Work collaboratively with commercial, operational, design and engineering teams.
• Develop your understanding of commercial risk and how Quantity Surveyors help protect the financial performance of a project.
• Gain experience using the digital systems and tools that support commercial management.
• Start building strong working relationships with project teams, clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.

Why this role?

This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about understanding how commercial decisions influence every stage of a construction project.

You’ll become part of a live project team and see how Quantity Surveyors balance cost, quality, programme and contractual requirements to help projects deliver real value.

You’ll have the opportunity to put your university learning into practice, develop your commercial awareness and problem-solving skills, and gain insight into areas such as procurement, cost management, contracts, valuations and project reporting.

Throughout your placement, you’ll be supported by experienced colleagues who will help you develop your confidence, practical knowledge and understanding of the Quantity Surveying profession.

What we’re looking for

We want to hear from people who are passionate about making a difference through construction and the built environment. You’ll bring:

• You are currently studying towards a degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a closely related discipline.
• A full UK driving licence, or be working towards obtaining one by February 2027.
• Strong problem-solving skills, with a practical and logical approach.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage with a wide range of people.
• A collaborative mindset, with enthusiasm to learn and take on responsibility.
• Previous placement or site experience is desirable but not essential.

What we offer

Start building your future with a placement designed to help you learn, develop and gain meaningful industry experience.

• A structured summer placement designed to build your skills and give you meaningful industry experience.
• Mentoring and guidance from experienced commercial professionals.
• A competitive salary.
• Two volunteering days during your placement.
• Opportunities to work on diverse and meaningful projects.
• An inclusive culture where your ideas and contributions make a real difference.

Selection Process Timeline

• Interview – Successful candidates will progress to a formal interview, taking place between 11 and 27 January 2027.
• Offer – Successful candidates will receive an offer by the week ending 12 February 2027.

Why Tilbury Douglas?

Tilbury Douglas offers the opportunity to work on meaningful, real-world projects while developing within a supportive and inclusive environment. The company places a strong emphasis on career development, innovation, wellbeing and practical learning, demonstrated by its Platinum membership of the 5% Club and recognition of Early Careers employees through national industry awards.

Start your career where it matters – building a better future together.

We reserve the right to close this advert early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage early applications to avoid disappointment

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