Career pivot back to QS
Discussion
Currently working as Project Coordinator in manufacturing, been here approx. 10 years, earning 41k.
I originally trained and qualified as QS, but haven’t done this role day to day for over 15 years for various reasons. My last job I was Assistant QS, so never actually operated that much as a day to day fully fledged QS. Spent my days doing applications, variations, subby accounts etc.
I have the opportunity to go back into a manufacturing and installation company as QS for their commercial side for £50k plus bonuses. Same industry, so technically my knowledge of products is completely transferrable, but my hesitation is my lack of recent experience being a day to day QS.
Company is still local, so the commute is basically exactly the same as I currently do, so no issues there. Same hours.
Current job deals with accounts of projects I’m working on and variations etc, so im not completely going back in to alien territory here.
My knowledge of contract mechanism’s (JCT/NEC etc) is completely gone. I have expressed this to the potential new employer’s and they are still keen to get me on board. So raising variations in line with these contracts, EOT’s, delays etc I am not fully fledged at all.
They do not have any current QS’s and want someone to come in an oversee the commercial side of the business as they are now a bit overburdened and these tasks can’t effectively be done by the PM’s anymore.
Thoughts and advice, as an inexperienced QS am I walking into more than I can handle and deal with here? Or is this a great opportunity to go in and take control of something from scratch and make it work my way.
Career wise, I get that the move back in to this title is a no brainer, but there is also some pit falls and considerations to think about here.
I originally trained and qualified as QS, but haven’t done this role day to day for over 15 years for various reasons. My last job I was Assistant QS, so never actually operated that much as a day to day fully fledged QS. Spent my days doing applications, variations, subby accounts etc.
I have the opportunity to go back into a manufacturing and installation company as QS for their commercial side for £50k plus bonuses. Same industry, so technically my knowledge of products is completely transferrable, but my hesitation is my lack of recent experience being a day to day QS.
Company is still local, so the commute is basically exactly the same as I currently do, so no issues there. Same hours.
Current job deals with accounts of projects I’m working on and variations etc, so im not completely going back in to alien territory here.
My knowledge of contract mechanism’s (JCT/NEC etc) is completely gone. I have expressed this to the potential new employer’s and they are still keen to get me on board. So raising variations in line with these contracts, EOT’s, delays etc I am not fully fledged at all.
They do not have any current QS’s and want someone to come in an oversee the commercial side of the business as they are now a bit overburdened and these tasks can’t effectively be done by the PM’s anymore.
Thoughts and advice, as an inexperienced QS am I walking into more than I can handle and deal with here? Or is this a great opportunity to go in and take control of something from scratch and make it work my way.
Career wise, I get that the move back in to this title is a no brainer, but there is also some pit falls and considerations to think about here.
I'm not in your profession but can't you familarise yourself with the the parts of the role you're not so confident in? I am an accountant and spent 10 years out working in finance systems. I took a job as a Financial Controller leading systems, but also things like statutory audit production, the accounts to the various standards and managing operations... some of which I had no experience whatsoever in. I learnt quickly on the job and prepared as best I could before starting... 7 years later I am still doing this role and it's easy 
Yeah absolutely I've been reading back up on contracts and been looking at courses essentially for beginners again! Mulling it all over.
The pay increase is nice if not gigantic, but it's the potential future earnings and opportunities that are interesting me here also.
Very much maxed out my current position and progression.
The pay increase is nice if not gigantic, but it's the potential future earnings and opportunities that are interesting me here also.
Very much maxed out my current position and progression.
If you have enthusiasm for the role, then go for it, sounds ideal.
Salary sounds like the lower end of the scale to me depending on what area you're in, so there may be some scope to ask for a better package if they really want you.
I deal with QS's on a daily basis, so I hate you all and it loathes me to wish you good luck, but I'll make an exception this time, good luck!
Salary sounds like the lower end of the scale to me depending on what area you're in, so there may be some scope to ask for a better package if they really want you.
I deal with QS's on a daily basis, so I hate you all and it loathes me to wish you good luck, but I'll make an exception this time, good luck!
Hahaha thank you very much. I understand the hate!!
Yeah it's at the lower end but as I'm not a fully experienced QS I get it, and there is scope for improvement as I settle in to the role, plus bonuses as I originally asked for mid 50s.
What's helping me is also that they are probably not going to find a fully qualified experienced QS willing to go in for 50k.
Yeah it's at the lower end but as I'm not a fully experienced QS I get it, and there is scope for improvement as I settle in to the role, plus bonuses as I originally asked for mid 50s.
What's helping me is also that they are probably not going to find a fully qualified experienced QS willing to go in for 50k.
Sounds like a good move OP, especially as they seem keen to take you on knowing your relevant experience and background, I think that's a positive sign as it's not like you're fighting against a pool of 'current' QS applicants.
Is there any way you can fall back onto your qualification / training for a sort of top-up or refresher? Possibly through a professional body like RICS..
Is there any way you can fall back onto your qualification / training for a sort of top-up or refresher? Possibly through a professional body like RICS..
Sounds like a good move, with lots of opportunity to grow.
I wouldn't worry about the knowledge gap on contracts etc, I worked for the same company for 26 years, using bespoke in house contracts, never used an NEC / JCT etc in my life, when I left I just attended some on-line courses and learnt enough about the their individual mechanisms, ultimately AI can help you with this. Fundamentally most of the basic principles are the same - its the mechanisms, time periods etc that change.
The same with sector, some employers get fixated on you having past experience in the same sector, again the skills are the same you are just applying them differently.
Good luck if you do decide to move.
I wouldn't worry about the knowledge gap on contracts etc, I worked for the same company for 26 years, using bespoke in house contracts, never used an NEC / JCT etc in my life, when I left I just attended some on-line courses and learnt enough about the their individual mechanisms, ultimately AI can help you with this. Fundamentally most of the basic principles are the same - its the mechanisms, time periods etc that change.
The same with sector, some employers get fixated on you having past experience in the same sector, again the skills are the same you are just applying them differently.
Good luck if you do decide to move.
I think I am baffling myself again with terminology and overthinking things regards contract mechanisms etc.
The fundamentals I know etc. Will just be slightly rusty.
The JCT NEC thing is the thing on my mind that worries me.
Walking in day one, getting one of those plonked on my desk and saying off you go.
The fundamentals I know etc. Will just be slightly rusty.
The JCT NEC thing is the thing on my mind that worries me.
Walking in day one, getting one of those plonked on my desk and saying off you go.
A lot of techie types chronically overthink things.
You’ve told the new employer it’s a weak area and they have proceeded. Any sensible company will be supportive and help you get established. It’s quite normal to feel some nervousness with a new role, even without a company change. It’ll pass.
Focus on working out where your help and support comes from when you get through the door.
You’ve told the new employer it’s a weak area and they have proceeded. Any sensible company will be supportive and help you get established. It’s quite normal to feel some nervousness with a new role, even without a company change. It’ll pass.
Focus on working out where your help and support comes from when you get through the door.
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