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Murphy Commits to Developing the Best Quantity Surveying Talent

Written by: RICS Recruit
Published on: 16 Apr 2018

Murphy

With Murphy’s ambitious 10-year growth plan entering its decisive phase, there are exciting prospects for quantity surveyors joining the infrastructure specialist’s commercial department.

New opportunities from entry level up to management are available for quantity surveyors who bring something special to the table – and those who do will receive unprecedented support with career progression and professional development.

“We’re looking for the best,” says Commercial Director Peter Tosland. “And if you are the best, Murphy is the place you will flourish.”

Right for Murphy?

So what makes someone the best candidate for Murphy?

“I look for that spark, that passion,” says Tosland. “You don’t just accept what you’ve heard, you keep asking ‘Why?’ Obviously we want you to bring solutions, but we want you to bring challenges too.”

Does this mean that there is a “type” that Murphy prefers for quantity surveyors?

“We don’t want clones. There are so many different facets to the commercial department, and we don’t want everyone to be the same. If you have a particular interest in reporting or finance or you prefer the contractual side, and if you’re the best you can be in those areas, then we’ll find a place for you.”

But in the quantity surveying there is always a bottom line and, as Tosland confirms, at Murphy the bottom line is that it’s not for everyone, only for those who are willing and able to stand up and be counted, to throw themselves into fresh challenges and to see the bigger commercial picture.

“Of course we’re here to make margin – that’s what a commercial department does – and I want those quantity surveyors who are passionate about maximising that margin. But you do that by maximising the business – and yourself.”

Supportive structure

This is where Murphy’s commitment to developing its quantity surveying talent is so important. The company has put in place a highly supportive structure with people-focused leaders and managers doing their best to ensure broad exposure across all the necessary competencies.

“We have a massive push to make sure that every QS in the business is chartered in the coming years,” Tosland says. “And that’s not just asking you as a candidate to go and do it yourself – we offer mock interviews, check your documents and find external support for you.”

Part of the reason why such supportiveness is built into the structure of the commercial department is that it is itself a function supporting the business as a whole. Quantity surveying recruits will find themselves part of a community that networks widely and encourages them to make a key contribution to many different business activities.

“It’s all focused on how we can improve you because ultimately we’re focused on how we can improve the business and make them the best they can be, commercially. So we train you – to train the business.”

Added exposure

This mindset comes directly from Murphy’s renowned ability to self-deliver a one-stop client service. That means that, as well as having its own assets, the company directly employs, trains and develops more than 4,000 skilled staff – and as Tosland emphasises, the added exposure offered by this unique business model shouldn’t be underestimated.

“There are so many other elements that you’ll learn when you get here – such as how you control your own labour or your own internal plant and how you maximise that for the business. Add to that the sheer diversity of the jobs we do and the sectors we’re in – rail, water, power and natural resources – then if you want to better yourself, and be the best, this is where you need to be.”

There are immediate quantity surveying opportunities at all levels, in locations across the UK and around the world, including the option to be permanently located at Murphy’s London work base. All roles offer competitive salaries and a full range of benefits.