At Dandara & Dandara Living we believe the best ideas come from our people working together. We strive to look forward in all we do, with integrity and passion. We want to recruit the best people to contribute to our goals and build our businesses. We put our customers first, we empower our people, and we support the communities in which we build.

We are seeking an ambitious Trainee Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our Commercial team. This role combines structured professional training with hands-on commercial experience, providing an excellent foundation for a career in housebuilding and construction.

The successful candidate will gain exposure to all aspects of the commercial function while benefiting from on-the-job training and supported study.

Commercial Support

• Assist Quantity Surveyors and Senior Quantity Surveyors in managing the commercial aspects of housing developments.
• Help prepare budgets, cost plans, and tender documents.
• Support the measurement and valuation of works carried out on site.

Procurement

• Assist with issuing enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers.
• Help gather, compare, and analyse subcontractor quotations.
• Support the preparation of subcontractor orders under supervision.

Cost Management

• Maintain accurate records of site progress and variations.
• Assist in preparing monthly cost/value reconciliations (CVRs).
• Support the monitoring of project costs against budget.

Subcontractor & Supplier Liaison

• Support in managing subcontractor accounts and payments.
• Assist with subcontractor valuations, variations, and final accounts.
• Liaise with suppliers to confirm orders and deliveries.

Reporting & Administration

• Keep commercial files and systems up to date (e.g., COINS or equivalent ERP).
• Assist in preparing monthly reports for review by QS/SQS/Commercial Manager.
• Support compliance with company procedures and governance.

Training & Development

• Participate in on-the-job training and external development courses.
• Work towards a higher-level apprenticeship and professional qualifications.
• Benefit from mentoring by experienced professionals.

Key Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Minimum of 5 GCSEs Grade A*-C (9-4) including Maths and English.
• A full UK driving license.
• Strong IT skills, including proficiency in MS Excel and Word.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to work as part of a team and build strong working relationships.
• Proactive, organised, and able to manage time effectively.
• Problem-solving mindset with the ability to overcome challenges.
• Enthusiastic, ambitious, and eager to learn.

Desirable:

• Early career experience in construction or housebuilding.
• Knowledge of JCT forms of contract.
• Relevant industry qualifications progress towards them.

What's in it for you?

• First class training on your journey to becoming a Quantity Surveyor
• Competitive Salary £24,000 - £28,000 based on experience.
• Discretionary Bonus up to 10%
• Benefits: Private medical insurance
• X3 life assurance.
• Time for You: 25 Days holiday, plus bank holidays plus the option to buy 5 more!
• Well-being Support: Access to 24-hour Health Hero, Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), and the Health Assured Wisdom App.
• Lifestyle Perks: Cycle-to-work scheme and flexible benefits like gym membership discounts and shopping vouchers.
• Future-focused: Employer-matched pension scheme (up to 5%) and career development opportunities within a growing company.