Andrew Entwistle

NAME Andrew Entwistle
JOB Senior quantity surveyor
EMPLOYER Skanska UK
QUALIFICATIONS BSc commercial management and quantity surveying, Loughborough University

While at university, I gained on-site experience both through summer placements and by taking a sandwich year. I graduated four years ago and have worked on the commercial management side of my company’s PFI (Private Finance Initiatives) construction business. I spent three years working on a hospital project worth £300 million before moving to my current project just over a year ago.

My role

I’m a senior project surveyor working on a £50 million extension to an existing prison and I’m responsible for the day-to-day commercial management of the project. Combining commercial acumen with good communication and effective people management is essential to the role.

’I graduated four years ago and now manage a team of six.’

While I oversee the procurement and administration of subcontractors’ work, I also manage a team of six QSs of differing experience. I report progress to senior management and forecast turnover and cashflow. I spend as much time as I can on site and regularly visit other sites and subcontractors’ offices/production facilities.

I like...

... the fact that the industry is constantly evolving and that you work with people of different skills sets, all aiming to deliver a project successfully. We’re always trying to be more innovative in the way we work and a part of that is the implementation of sustainable thinking.

The tough bit is...

... overcoming difficulties to meet deadlines. I make sure issues are prioritised and addressed logically. If I do need help, I’ll ask someone – after all, I’m working with people who have been in this industry all their working lives!