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Mott Macdonald is a global engineering, management, and development consultancy. The company plans, designs, delivers and maintains the transport, energy, water, buildings and wider infrastructure that is integral to people’s daily lives. They recruit Quantity Surveyors who have in-depth technical and pre and post contract skills related to civil, structural and finishing works. Here are some important Mott MacDonald Quantity Surveyor Interview Questions.
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Mott MacDonald Interview Questions and Answers
Given below are some of the relevant Mott MacDonald quantity surveyor interview questions.
What are the key responsibilities of a quantity surveyor?
A quantity surveyor’s main responsibilities include:
- Preparing cost estimates and budgets for projects
- Monitoring costs during the project lifecycle
- Managing contracts and procurement processes
- Measuring and valuing construction work
- Ensuring projects remain cost-effective while maintaining quality
- Adhering to the set budget
- Preparing reports and advising stakeholders on cost-related issues
- Maintaining records of financial progress
How do you ensure compliance with relevant regulations and standards in a project?
I make sure to stay up to date with relevant building regulations, health and safety standards, and procurement guidelines through continuous professional development and industry memberships. I also ensure that all documentation complies with these regulations from the planning to the post-construction stage.
What is the difference between the Bill of Quantities (BoQ) and the Schedule of Rates?
A Bill of Quantities (BoQ) is a detailed document that lists all the materials, labour, and services required for a construction project, often broken down by item and quantity. It is specific to a project.
The Schedule of Rates is a list of pre-determined prices for various construction activities or materials, used to provide a basis for pricing work on a project. It is often used for contracts that may not have a detailed BoQ, or in maintenance contracts.
What is Value Engineering and how do you implement it?
Value Engineering (VE) is the process of improving a project’s value by finding cost-effective alternatives to materials, designs, or processes without compromising functionality or quality. It involves reviewing a project’s design and specifications to find more cost-effective solutions without compromising quality or functionality. Engaging with the project team and stakeholders helps to settle on the best options.
Explain the process of tendering?
The tendering process starts with the preparation of tender documents, including the BoQ, specifications, and drawings. Contractors are invited to submit bids, which are then evaluated based on price, expertise, capacity to deliver and other criteria. Once the evaluation is complete, negotiations may take place and the contract is awarded to the successful bidder.
What is a Construction Cost Plan? How do you prepare one?
A Construction Cost Plan outlines the estimated costs of all elements of a project, from inception to completion. It is developed by dividing the project into key elements such as substructure, superstructure, finishes, and services, and assigning costs based on unit rates or historical data. The cost plan is adjusted over the project lifecycle based on design development and actual costs to ensure the project stays within the budget.
What are Preliminaries in a Bill of Quantities?
Preliminaries are the items in a Bill of Quantities that cover the costs of setting up and running the site. This includes site establishment, temporary works, safety measures, site supervision costs, welfare facilities, and project management expenses. These are essential for the smooth operation of the project but are not directly tied to construction activities
How do you ensure cost control throughout a project’s lifecycle?
Starting with a detailed budget and cost plan at the project outset is the primary step to ensure cost control. Costs should be tracked continuously during construction, comparing actuals with the forecast. Tools like Earned Value Management (EVM) can be used to monitor performance. It is essential to address any discrepancies immediately and provide regular reports to stakeholders.
What are the key elements of the FIDIC or NEC contracts?
FIDIC and NEC contracts are standard forms of internationally used construction contracts.
FIDIC (International Federation of Consulting Engineers) contracts focus on clear risk allocation between contractors and employers , and are often used for large infrastructure projects.
NEC (New Engineering Contract) contracts promote collaboration while emphasizing flexibility and clarity. The NEC suite includes early warnings, compensation events, and a proactive approach to contract management.
How do you manage relationships with subcontractors and suppliers?
I maintain clear communication with subcontractors and suppliers by setting clear terms in contracts right from the beginning. I also conduct regular meetings and get progress updates to ensure that they meet the deadlines and stay within the agreed budget. In case of any issues, I address them promptly through negotiation or finding alternative suppliers.
Mott MacDonald Quantity Surveyor Interview tips
1: What is the main purpose of a Bill of Quantities (BoQ)?
When preparing for quantity surveyor interview at Mott MacDonald, focus on both technical proficiency and understand the values and principles of the company. Here are some tips to succeed in the interview:
- Understand the projects handled by the company and be familiar with their recent and flagship projects. Also, do a thorough research about the company and align your answers in such a way to demonstrate that you understand the policies of the company and the importance of these in the projects they handle.
- Prepare for technical questions. You may be asked questions related to cost estimation, contract management, tendering and cost control. Discuss methodologies and software tools that you have used.
- You may be asked to talk about your problem solving skills. Discuss the challenges you previously faced and the steps you took to come out of the situation.
- Mott MacDonald puts emphasis on strong client relationship, so demonstrate how you handle client queries and how your communication and negotiation skills helped previously.
- Be familiar with QS software like CostX, Candy, Microsoft Excel, BIM software etc. You have to show that you are up to date with the latest QS practices.
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