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Commercial Quantity Surveyor
Reports To: Head of Commercial Sales
Location: Wellingborough, Northamptonshire
Job Purpose
To take ownership of the day-to-day commercial and financial control of projects, ensuring client applications, payments, subcontractor procurement and commitments, project margins, forecasts and final accounts are accurately managed and delivered on time.
Key Responsibilities and Duties
Review client contracts and commercial requirements, identifying key payment terms, notice periods, risks, opportunities and obligations before and during each project.
Take ownership of preparing, submitting and administering applications for payment, ensuring each application is accurate, fully supported and submitted in line with the contract.
Where projects require subcontracted works, lead the tendering and procurement of subcontract packages. This includes issuing scopes, obtaining and evaluating quotations, negotiating commercial terms and appointing subcontractors, with formal orders placed before work begins.
Manage payment notices and application queries, negotiating where appropriate to maximise certified value and ensuring outstanding points are resolved promptly.
Track payments due under contracts and proactively chase overdue amounts, escalating issues where necessary and working closely with Accounts to improve cash collection.
Maintain accurate project cost, value and commitment information, including subcontractor tenders, orders and variations, to provide a clear and current view of project profitability and committed cost.
Prepare and maintain project forecasts covering anticipated costs, revenue, margin and cash position, and provide clear commercial reports to the management team.
Monitor project gross profit margins against budget and forecast, investigate variances and identify risks or opportunities early enough for management action.
Lead the commercial close-out of projects, including final account negotiations, retention recovery and reconciliation of client and subcontractor accounts.
Experience
Essential: Demonstrable experience in a commercial, quantity surveying, project cost control or similar role, ideally with responsibility for multiple live projects.
Desirable: Previous experience in construction, manufacturing or a related project environment, particularly working with clients and subcontractors and managing subcontract procurement.
Skills and Knowledge
Essential: Strong commercial and analytical skills, with the ability to understand project financial performance and act on variances.
Essential: A high level of Excel and Microsoft Office capability, with confidence working with project cost and financial information.
Essential: Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to applications, payment notices, orders, forecasting and final accounts.
Essential: Good negotiation and influencing skills, particularly when dealing with clients, subcontractors and commercial queries.
Essential: Effective time management and prioritisation, with the ability to manage multiple live projects and deadlines.
Essential: Clear and confident communication skills when working with site teams, client quantity surveyors, subcontractors, Accounts and senior management.
Desirable: A relevant quantity surveying, commercial, construction or business qualification. Practical experience and commercial capability will also be considered.
Personal Attributes
A strong work ethic, personal ownership and a collaborative approach.
Commercially minded, proactive and comfortable challenging information where required.
Able to build natural rapport with external customers and internal stakeholders while maintaining a practical, solutions-focused approach.
An established home improvement business specialising in windows, doors, conservatories and extensions is looking to appoint an experienced General Manager to take responsibility for the smooth running and commercial performance of its conservatory and extension division.
This is a senior, hands-on position for someone who understands how residential improvement projects move from initial sale through surveying, manufacture, installation and final completion.
Initially, the focus will be on managing the conservatory and extension operation, ensuring projects are delivered efficiently, profitably and to a high standard. As the role develops, there will be scope to become involved in the wider management and direction of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Take overall responsibility for the day-to-day operation of the conservatory and extension division.
- Oversee projects from handover following sale through to completion and customer sign-off.
- Coordinate surveyors, installers, builders, subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams.
- Ensure labour, materials and resources are planned effectively.
- Monitor project schedules and take action where delays or problems arise.
- Maintain strong control over project costs, margins and profitability.
- Review workloads and ensure resources are being used effectively.
- Identify areas where systems, processes and working practices can be improved.
- Work closely with the sales, surveying, installation and administration teams.
- Manage operational issues, customer concerns and project complications through to resolution.
- Ensure high standards of customer service are maintained throughout each project.
- Monitor performance against agreed targets and management information.
- Support the development of more efficient and commercially effective working practices.
- Manage and support employees and subcontractors, setting clear expectations around performance and delivery.
- Contribute to wider business planning and future growth.
- Take on increasing responsibility for the overall operation of the business as the position develops.
Candidate Profile
The successful candidate is likely to have held a senior role within home improvements, conservatories, extensions, windows and doors or a closely related construction environment.
You should have a strong understanding of how projects are managed commercially as well as operationally, with the confidence to take ownership of problems and make decisions.
Experience of managing conservatory or extension projects would be particularly advantageous.
Key Skills and Experience
- Strong operational and project management experience.
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of margins, budgets and cost control.
- Experience managing employees, contractors and subcontractors.
- Good knowledge of residential construction or home improvement projects.
- Confident dealing directly with customers.
- Strong organisational and planning skills.
- Able to identify problems quickly and implement practical solutions.
- Comfortable managing several projects and priorities simultaneously.
- Strong communication skills across operational, sales and senior management teams.
- Able to improve processes, efficiency and overall business performance.
- A practical, hands-on management style with the ability to take ownership and drive projects forward.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced operational manager who enjoys being closely involved in the delivery of projects while also contributing to the commercial performance and future development of the business.
Job Title: Window & Door Surveyor
Location: Twickenham, Surrey – covering a predominantly local area
Hours: 8:00am–4:00pm
Employment: Permanent/Part-Time PAYE or Self-Employed
Vehicle: Company van available for PAYE appointments / fuel contribution for self-employed surveyors using
their own van
The Role
We are recruiting an experienced Window & Door Surveyor for an established residential window and door
company based in Twickenham, Surrey.
The role will involve carrying out detailed surveys for uPVC and aluminium residential windows and doors, as
well as lean-to roof installations, ensuring accurate information and measurements are provided to the office team
so that orders can be processed correctly.
The company currently takes a fairly traditional approach to surveying, with surveys predominantly drawn and
completed manually. They are very open, however, to someone with experience of more modern surveying
methods who can introduce ideas, software or systems that could improve and modernise the process.
This would therefore suit an experienced surveyor who can not only carry out accurate surveys independently but
also make a positive contribution to how the business operates.
Key Responsibilities
• Carry out accurate site surveys for residential uPVC and aluminium windows and doors.
• Survey lean-to roof installations and associated products.
• Take accurate measurements and record all relevant technical and installation information.
• Identify potential installation issues before products are ordered.
• Assess openings, access requirements and any site-specific considerations that could affect installation.
• Produce clear and comprehensive survey documentation for the office and ordering teams.
• Provide accurate drawings and specifications to enable orders to be processed correctly.
• Ensure surveys contain sufficient information for both manufacturing/order processing and fitting teams.
• Highlight any unusual requirements or potential complications identified during the survey.
• Liaise with customers professionally when arranging and attending appointments.
• Manage your own diary from the schedule of surveys provided by the company.
• Contact customers directly to arrange convenient survey appointments.
• Plan appointments efficiently to make the best use of the working day.
• Return completed surveys to the Twickenham office so they can be processed by the internal team.
• Liaise with office staff where clarification or additional technical information is required.
• Work independently without the requirement to attend the office each day.
• Help minimise ordering and installation errors through accurate, detailed surveying.
• Where appropriate, share knowledge of modern surveying software, systems and technology that could
improve the existing process.
• Contribute ideas for improving the efficiency, accuracy and consistency of the company's surveying
procedures.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate will have previous experience surveying residential windows and doors and will be
confident working independently.
Experience with uPVC and aluminium products is important, while knowledge of lean-to roofs would also be
beneficial. You will need excellent attention to detail and a strong understanding of the information required to
take a project successfully from survey through to ordering and installation.
The company is particularly interested in someone who is comfortable with traditional surveying methods but who
may also be able to demonstrate newer technology, software or systems that could help modernise the surveying
process.
You should be organised, reliable and comfortable managing your own appointments and workload. Strong
customer-facing skills are also important, as you will represent the company when visiting customers' homes.
Job Title: Operations Manager
Location: Welwyn Garden City
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9:00am–5:00pm
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
The Role
We are recruiting an experienced Operations Manager to join an established window company based in Welwyn Garden City.
Working closely alongside the Operations Director, you will take responsibility for coordinating the operational journey of
customer orders, ensuring everything runs smoothly from the initial survey and order validation through to installation,
payment, guarantees and final customer feedback.
This is a varied, hands-on position within a smaller business where departments work closely together. You will manage a
team of approximately five office-based staff, while also coordinating fitting teams, service engineers, suppliers and
customers.
The company is actively embracing new technology, improved systems and more efficient ways of working, so they are
looking for someone who will contribute ideas, challenge inefficient processes and support a culture of continuous
improvement.
Key Responsibilities
• Work alongside the Operations Director to coordinate the complete order and installation process.
• Organise and process surveyors' paperwork, ensuring information is complete and accurate before orders progress.
• Validate customer orders and check that all necessary information has been received.
• Prepare and send orders to relevant suppliers accurately and within required timescales.
• Liaise with suppliers regarding orders, deliveries, amendments and any issues that arise.
• Maintain regular communication with customers throughout the order and installation process.
• Plan and organise fitting teams, ensuring installations are scheduled efficiently.
• Coordinate the workload of service engineers and ensure outstanding service work is completed promptly.
• Manage approximately five office-based employees, providing direction, support and oversight of daily workloads.
• Work closely with fitters, surveyors, service engineers and other members of the wider team.
• Oversee customer payments, including deposits, stage payments and final balances.
• Ensure outstanding payments are followed up appropriately and accurately recorded.
• Coordinate the issuing of customer guarantees following completion of work.
• Oversee the completion and handover process to ensure customers receive the required documentation.
• Help ensure customers receive a consistently high standard of service from order through to completion.
• Oversee the collection of customer feedback and support the business in achieving 5-star customer reviews.
• Resolve operational and customer issues quickly and professionally.
• Identify delays, bottlenecks or weaknesses within the order-to-installation process and implement practical solutions.
• Support the introduction of new technology, systems and processes designed to improve efficiency.
• Continuously review working practices and identify opportunities to make the operation more streamlined and
effective.
• Work collaboratively across the business, recognising that this is a smaller company where everyone works together
to achieve the best result.
The Successful Candidate
The successful candidate will be an organised and commercially aware Operations Manager who is comfortable managing
multiple moving parts simultaneously. You will need to be equally confident dealing with customers, suppliers, office staff
and installation teams.
Experience within the window, door, glazing, fenestration, home improvement or a similar installation-led business would be
particularly advantageous, as would experience managing customer orders from initial paperwork through to installation and
completion.
You should have strong people-management skills, excellent attention to detail and the ability to prioritise effectively in a busy
environment. The company is particularly interested in someone who doesn't simply maintain existing processes but actively
looks for better, faster and more efficient ways of working.
Job Title: Glazing Service Engineer / Installer
Location: Kent / Surrey Border – covering Southern England
Salary: £38,000 + Bonus
Hours: Monday–Friday, approx. 8:00am–4:00pm
Contract: Permanent, Full-Time
Benefits: Company Vehicle, Mobile Phone & Workplace Pension
The Role
We are recruiting an experienced Glazing Service Engineer / Installer to join an established specialist glazing company
working across high-quality residential and commercial projects.
Approximately 80% of the role will focus on service, remedial and fault-finding work, with the remaining 20% supporting
installation teams when additional experienced installers are required.
Responsibilities include diagnosing and repairing faults, adjusting windows and doors, replacing hardware and glazing
components, and carrying out remedial works. You will also assist with specialist installations when required and
communicate directly with customers on site.
Products
Experience may include:
• Aluminium windows and doors
• Steel and steel-look systems
• Sliding and bifold doors
• Entrance doors
• Timber windows and doors
• Rooflights and frameless glazing
• Specialist architectural glazing
About You
We are looking for an experienced service engineer or installer with strong fault-finding and remedial experience within
glazing, fenestration, windows or doors.
You should have good practical knowledge of window and door systems, installation experience, strong problem-solving
skills and the ability to work independently. A professional approach when dealing with customers and a full UK driving
licence are essential.
Package
• £38,000 basic salary
• Additional installation/fitting bonus
• Company vehicle and mobile phone
• Workplace pension
• Monday–Friday working
• Office-arranged appointments
• Predominantly service and aftercare work
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced glazing professional looking to move into a predominantly service-
based role while retaining the opportunity to work on specialist installations.
Telecoms Engineers – FTTP / Openreach / Civils / Pre-Enablement
Multiple Contracts | Nationwide Opportunities | Immediate & Ongoing Work
Porterhouse Recruitment is currently recruiting experienced Telecoms Engineers for a number of major UK telecoms contracts.
Whether your background is FTTP, Openreach installations, Civils or Pre-Enablement/Pre-Pull, we want to hear from you.
You do not need experience across all disciplines. Apply with your CV and home postcode and our team will check your experience and location against all suitable current opportunities.
FTTP Engineers – CityFibre
Long-term opportunities for experienced FTTP engineers.
- £34,000–£38,000 average earnings
- Potential to earn up to £50,000 with bonuses/targets
- Van, tools and fuel provided
- Long-term, ongoing work
- Recent FTTP experience required
- Full UK driving licence required
Openreach Engineers
Experienced Openreach installation engineers required.
- £47.50 per completed install
- Lone working
- Van and tools provided
- Ongoing work
- Fast-track opportunities available
- Recent Openreach installation experience required
- Full UK driving licence required
Pre-Enablement / Pre-Pull Engineers
Experienced engineers required for PP / SO / SRO pre-pull works.
- £25 per pre-pull
- Enhanced earning opportunities based on productivity, attendance and compliance
- Busy workloads
- Relevant telecoms/pre-pull experience required
Telecoms Civils Engineers
Experienced telecoms civils operatives required for works including:
- Hand digs
- Duct works
- Blockages
- Cold-lay reinstatement
- Relevant Streetworks/civils experience required
Apply / Contact Us
Apply directly through Indeed with your CV and home postcode
Call: 01865 591281
Email: hr@porterhouserecruitment.co.uk
WhatsApp MESSAGE ONLY: 07448 811143 — please do not call this number
Send us a WhatsApp message
One application gives you the opportunity to be considered for all suitable current telecoms contracts.
Architectural Glazing & Cladding Designer
Location: Newmarket, Suffolk or Great Massingham, Norfolk
Salary: Competitive salary - dependent on experience
Employment Type: Permanent, Full Time
Working Arrangement: Office Based
The Company
Our client is a well-established specialist contractor operating within the commercial glazing, façade and building envelope sector. The business delivers complete façade solutions across a varied portfolio of commercial construction and refurbishment projects, providing expertise from design and procurement through to manufacture, project management and installation.
Working with recognised aluminium and façade systems, the company has extensive experience delivering curtain walling, windows, doors, rainscreen cladding and other specialist building envelope solutions.
Due to continued growth, they are now looking to recruit an experienced Architectural Glazing & Cladding Designer to join their established Design Team.
The Role
Working on commercial projects ranging in value from approximately £5,000 to £5 million, the successful Designer will play a key role in producing technically compliant and buildable design solutions from project award through to manufacture and installation.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced façade, glazing or fenestration Designer looking to work on a varied portfolio of commercial projects as part of an experienced design and project delivery team.
Key Responsibilities
The role will include:
- Designing aluminium glazing, curtain walling, window, door and cladding systems using suppliers' technical manuals, including Schüco, Aluprof and Reynaers.
- Producing accurate general arrangement, fabrication and workshop drawings using AutoCAD for in-house manufacture.
- Managing the design process from project award through to completion, ensuring agreed programmes and budgets are achieved.
- Maintaining accurate project documentation and ensuring design records are kept fully up to date.
- Liaising closely with Estimating, Procurement, Manufacturing, Project Management and Installation teams to ensure designs are practical, compliant and commercially viable.
- Reviewing client specifications, architectural drawings and technical information, identifying discrepancies and proposing practical design solutions where appropriate.
- Attending design coordination meetings with Main Contractors, Architects and Clients.
- Comparing tender drawings against subsequent revisions, identifying design changes and highlighting potential commercial implications to the Estimating Team.
- Raising purchase requests and supporting the Purchasing function where required.
- Providing the Projects Team with regular updates on drawing progress, helping to identify potential issues early and maintain project programmes.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate should have:
- Previous design experience within the commercial glazing, curtain walling, façade, cladding, window or door industry.
- Strong AutoCAD skills.
- Experience designing aluminium window, door and curtain walling systems.
- Experience with systems such as Schüco, Aluprof and Reynaers. Candidates with experience of comparable aluminium systems will also be considered.
- Knowledge of system estimating and processing software such as SchüCal or LogiKal would be advantageous, although experience with other industry systems will also be considered.
- A strong understanding of technical drawings, construction details and buildability.
- Good attention to detail and a methodical approach to design.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to manage several projects simultaneously and work to agreed deadlines.
- A collaborative approach with the confidence to communicate effectively with colleagues, suppliers, Main Contractors, Architects and Clients.
Package
The company offers:
- Competitive salary - dependent on experience.
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays.
- Company pension.
- Healthcare scheme.
- Career development and ongoing training opportunities.
- Free onsite parking.
- The opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of commercial façade and glazing projects within an experienced and established team.
Work Location: Newmarket, Suffolk or Great Massingham, Norfolk – office based.
Surveyor (Full-Time)
Location: Milton Keynes (Company vehicle provided)
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm
About the Role
We are looking for an experienced Surveyor to join our team, carrying out accurate site surveys for residential window and door installations. The successful candidate will visit customers' homes, take detailed measurements, produce production drawings, and ensure all installations meet current building regulations and industry standards.
This is an excellent opportunity for an organised and customer-focused individual with a background in the fenestration industry.
Key Responsibilities
-
Visit customers' homes to carry out detailed and accurate site surveys.
-
Confirm all contract details and identify any site-specific requirements before installation.
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Take precise measurements for uPVC, aluminium and composite window and door installations.
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Produce accurate production drawings and survey documentation.
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Identify any building improvements or remedial work required prior to installation.
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Ensure all surveys comply with current Building Regulations and PAS24 requirements.
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Liaise effectively with customers, installers and internal departments to ensure projects run smoothly.
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Deliver excellent customer service and maintain a professional appearance at all times.
Skills & Experience
The ideal candidate will have:
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Proven experience surveying uPVC, aluminium and composite windows and doors.
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Alternatively, a strong background within the fenestration industry.
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Good knowledge of current Building Regulations and industry compliance requirements.
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Strong technical and measuring skills with excellent attention to detail.
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Good communication and interpersonal skills.
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The ability to work independently and manage a varied workload.
Qualifications
-
NVQ Level 3 in Surveying is desirable but not essential.
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Full UK driving licence is essential.
What We Offer
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Company vehicle provided.
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Full-time, permanent position.
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Monday to Friday working hours (8:00am – 5:00pm).
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Competitive salary based on experience.
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Opportunity to join a supportive and professional team with ongoing development opportunities.
Job: Order processor
Location: Basildon, Essex
Due to continued growth, they are looking to recruit an experienced Window Order Processor to join their busy office team.
This is a great opportunity for someone with previous experience in the glazing or fenestration industry who is confident processing orders accurately and working closely with both customers and internal departments.
Key Responsibilities
- Processing and inputting customer orders accurately.
- Preparing and issuing invoices for new works.
- Ordering parts and materials as required.
- Checking order details, specifications and measurements before processing.
- Supporting general office administration.
- Assisting with quarterly stocktakes.
- Liaising with customers and colleagues to ensure orders progress smoothly.
- Maintaining accurate records and ensuring information is kept up to date.
Skills & Experience
- Previous experience working as an Order Processor within the window, door or glazing industry, or a similar environment.
- A minimum of 1 year's relevant experience.
- Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
- Good customer service and communication skills.
- Confident IT skills.
- Able to manage a busy workload and prioritise effectively.
Experience using Window Designer and LogiKal software would be advantageous, although not essential.