Graduate Assistant Surveyor (Cost Management) - US Based

Application Deadline: 31 October 2026

Department: QS

Employment Type: Permanent - Full Time

Location: G&T - US Early Talent

Description

Position Category: Graduate
Location: G&T's US team is currently recruiting for opportunities across the following locations: New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami.

Start Date: September 2027
Eligibility Requirement: Please note that only candidates who have previously completed, or are currently studying, a degree accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) are eligible for this role.

Summary
The role of a cost manager is to manage the cost and legal processes of a construction project. As a Cost Manager, your primary responsibility is to help ensure projects are delivered within the client's approved budget.

This includes preparing cost plans, forecasts, cash flow projections, contract documentation and financial reports, while providing clients with clear and accurate advice throughout the project lifecycle. Effective communication and strong attention to detail are key to the role, enabling Cost Managers to keep clients informed of project finances and proactively manage associated risks.

Role Overview
As an Assistant Surveyor within one of G&T's US offices, you will gain valuable practical experience across a variety of projects while developing a comprehensive understanding of construction costs, procurement and contracts.

Working alongside experienced Cost Managers, you will receive on-the-job training and support to help develop the technical, commercial and professional skills required to build a successful career in the industry. You will also be encouraged and supported in working towards Chartered Membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) through the APC pathway.

The role offers exposure to a range of clients, sectors and project types, providing an excellent opportunity to apply the knowledge gained through your degree in a practical project environment while continuing your professional development.

Working as part of a collaborative team, you will support your line manager and colleagues in the delivery of project work. You will be expected to take ownership of tasks, work with an appropriate level of autonomy and recognise when to seek guidance to achieve the best outcomes for clients and projects.

We are particularly interested in candidates who are enthusiastic about developing their careers within the US construction and property industry and who are excited by the opportunity to contribute to the continued growth of G&T's US business.

You will build a strong understanding of your role, the firm, the US market and the wider industry, and how they all connect to deliver successful projects.

General Responsibilities

Working with your line manager the role will typically include the following:

Measuring drawings provided by the design team, either manually or using measurement software such as CostX.
Using measurements and an understanding of construction methods to prepare cost plans that establish project budgets for clients.
Compiling contract documentation, including drawing registers, preliminaries and pricing documents for tendering purposes.
Receiving tender submissions and preparing tender analysis reports and clarification schedules for contractor responses.
Reviewing and comparing tender returns to support recommendations on contractor appointments.
Preparing cash flow forecasts for clients.
Attending site visits and undertaking valuations of completed works, producing the required analysis and documentation to facilitate payment in accordance with contract requirements.
Supporting value engineering exercises to identify opportunities for cost savings and improved value.
Attending project meetings and site meetings, including design team meetings and contractor progress meetings, depending on the project stage.
Communicating with a range of stakeholders, including suppliers, contractors, design teams and clients, and providing support on cost-related matters and project variations.

Required Qualifications & Skills

Achieved or expected to achieve a 2:1 or above in a RICS accredited degree.
Excellent working knowledge of current IT systems.
Strong understanding of the importance of client care and relationship building.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Trustworthy, reliable and professional in approach.
Strong organisational skills with the ability to prioritise workload effectively.
Ability to work efficiently and deliver to deadlines.
Comfortable working both independently and as part of a collaborative team.
Proactive, adaptable and flexible when responding to different situations.
Demonstrates dedication, commitment and a positive attitude.
Eagerness to learn and continually develop professionally.
Genuine interest in the construction and property industry.
Enthusiasm for developing a career in the US construction and property industry, with a desire to build market knowledge and professional experience within the US sector.

Please note the following prior to applying for this role:

1.0 We recruit on a rolling basis and reserve the right to close applications early if all available positions have been filled before the advertised closing date.

2.0 Due to the high volume of applications received for our Early Talent opportunities, we can only consider one application per candidate per academic year. If multiple applications are submitted, only the first application received will be reviewed and progressed through the recruitment process.

General Responsibilities

Required Qualifications & Skills

Please note the following prior to applying for this role:

About Gardiner and Theobald LLP