
Careers AT HABENS
Build Your Future With Us
At DM Habens, we believe in building more than just structures, we’re building careers, communities, and a legacy of quality that has stood strong for over 40 years.
As a family-run business, we take pride in creating a workplace where people feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. Whether you're a skilled tradesperson, a recent graduate, or someone looking to take the next step in your career, there’s a place for you at Habens.
Why Join Habens?
Diverse Projects
– From schools and hospitals to housing developments and heritage restorations, we deliver a wide variety of projects across the South Coast.
Skilled & Supportive Team
– Work alongside experienced professionals in a culture that promotes teamwork, training, and mentorship.
Opportunities for Growth
– We invest in our people with ongoing training, apprenticeships, and clear pathways for development.
Commitment to Quality & Safety
– We uphold the highest standards in everything we do, from construction to customer care.
CURRENT VACANCIES
Job Description:
We are seeking a detail-oriented and experienced Managing Quantity Surveyor to join our construction and infrastructure team. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing all aspects of cost control, budgeting, and financial planning for projects. This role offers an excellent opportunity to contribute to high-profile developments, ensuring projects are completed within budget and to the highest standards. The ideal applicant will possess strong analytical skills, a thorough understanding of construction processes, and experience in cost control management.
This opportunity has arisen as our Senior Quantity Surveyor retired at the end of March 2026. We are looking for an experienced professional to step into this pivotal role, bringing strong field experience and leadership, and to support and mentor our apprentice Quantity Surveyors as they continue to grow.
Responsibilities:
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Prepare detailed cost estimates and budgets for construction projects from initial design through to completion.
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Monitor project costs throughout the lifecycle, ensuring adherence to budgets and identifying potential overruns early.
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Conduct regular site visits to assess progress and verify quantities against project specifications.
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Negotiate with suppliers, contractors, and subcontractors to secure favourable terms while maintaining quality standards.
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Analyse tenders and assist in procurement processes by evaluating bids and proposals.
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Maintain accurate records of all financial transactions related to projects.
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Provide detailed reports on project financial status to stakeholders, highlighting any variances or risks.
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Collaborate closely with project managers, architects, engineers, and clients to ensure clear communication regarding costs and budgets.
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Implement cost control measures and recommend value engineering opportunities to optimise project expenditure.
Qualifications:
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Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor or in a similar role within the construction industry.
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Strong knowledge of cost control techniques, budgeting, and financial management in construction projects.
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Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
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Proficiency in industry-standard software.
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Strong negotiation skills and the ability to build effective relationships with suppliers and contractors.
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Relevant qualifications such as a degree or diploma in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field are preferred.
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RICS membership or working towards RICS accreditation is desirable.
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Attention to detail with a high level of accuracy in financial analysis and reporting.
This position offers an engaging environment where your expertise in cost control will directly impact successful project delivery. We welcome applications from candidates committed to professional growth within a dynamic team environment.
How to Apply:
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
Additional Information:
DM Habens is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in employment in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities without regard to race, religion or belief, colour, sex, within the company. The aim of this policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on grounds not relevant to good employment practice.A complete copy of DM Habens (The Builder) Ltd equal opportunities policy is available on request.
We signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021, and have proudly received our Silver Award. We recognise that those leaving the armed forces may be disadvantaged in terms of securing meaningful employment and adjusting to a civilian environment. We want to be a great employer with outstanding leadership and a talented, agile workforce. We believe that a diverse range of talent is vital in creating an effective workforce who can bring different skills and experiences to the table. We recognise Veterans bring an excellent work ethic and high value skills to our organisation and often their meticulous attention to detail and record keeping is incredibly beneficial when working within the construction industry. Veterans/service leavers are offered an internal mentor to aid their transition to the workforce along with support and guidance from our HR Department and the Armed Forces Network – Hampshire Division. At Habens we are proud to support The Mental Health Charter, and are company supporters of ‘The Lighthouse Club’ a construction industry-based charity providing proactive support, training and assistance for all employees and their families within the construction industry.
We support our staff to be reservists and cadet force adult instructors through the following:
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Additional leave for those serving in the reserve forces or those volunteering their time as adult cadet instructors for undertaking their annual camp or other training specific to their reserve or adult cadet instructor role
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Flexible Working Policy to provide equal opportunity in employment
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Reservists who have been mobilised will receive support from their line manager and other colleagues before, during and post mobilisation.
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Spouses and civil partners of serving Regular or Reserve Forces personnel may be required to adjust family arrangements following their partner's posting or deployment. This can place additional burdens upon the spouse/family and they may wish to consider the option of flexible working or Time off for Dependants as a temporary or permanent measure.
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Where appropriate, compassionate or special leave may be granted to spouses to assist them in dealing with critical issues arising from deployment or illness, injury or death wholly or partly attributable to being in service.
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About the Role
We are seeking a skilled and reliable Carpenter to join our growing team. The successful candidate will be responsible for carrying out a wide range of carpentry tasks, including first and second fix work, installations, repairs, and bespoke woodworking projects. This role requires attention to detail, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Key Responsibilities
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Install doors, windows, kitchens, flooring, skirting boards, and other fixtures.
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Carry out first and second fix carpentry work.
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Read and interpret technical drawings and specifications.
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Ensure all work is completed to a high standard and within agreed timescales.
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Maintain a safe and tidy working environment.
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Work collaboratively with colleagues, contractors, and clients.
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Comply with all health and safety regulations.
Requirements
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Proven experience as a Carpenter.
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Relevant qualifications.
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Ability to read and interpret technical drawings.
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Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
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Full UK driving licence preferred.
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CSCS card.
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Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
Salary & Benefits
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Competitive salary, dependent on experience.
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Comprehensive benefits package, negotiable and subject to agreement.
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Ongoing training and career development opportunities.
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Company uniform.
How to Apply
If you are a motivated and experienced Carpenter looking to join a professional and supportive team, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and a brief cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.
Additional Information:
DM Habens is committed to a comprehensive policy of equal opportunities in employment in which individuals are selected and treated on the basis of their relevant merits and abilities without regard to race, religion or belief, colour, sex, within the company. The aim of this policy is to ensure that no job applicant or employee receives less favourable treatment on grounds not relevant to good employment practice.
A complete copy of DM Habens (The Builder) Ltd equal opportunities policy is available on request.
We signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2021, and have proudly received our Silver Award. We recognise that those leaving the armed forces may be disadvantaged in terms of securing meaningful employment and adjusting to a civilian environment. We want to be a great employer with outstanding leadership and a talented, agile workforce. We believe that a diverse range of talent is vital in creating an effective workforce who can bring different skills and experiences to the table. We recognise Veterans bring an excellent work ethic and high value skills to our organisation and often their meticulous attention to detail and record keeping is incredibly beneficial when working within the construction industry. Veterans/service leavers are offered an internal mentor to aid their transition to the workforce along with support and guidance from our HR Department and the Armed Forces Network – Hampshire Division. At Habens we are proud to support The Mental Health Charter, and are company supporters of ‘The Lighthouse Club’ a construction industry-based charity providing proactive support, training and assistance for all employees and their families within the construction industry.
We support our staff to be reservists and cadet force adult instructors through the following:-
Additional leave for those serving in the reserve forces or those volunteering their time as adult cadet instructors for undertaking their annual camp or other training specific to their reserve or adult cadet instructor role
-
Flexible Working Policy to provide equal opportunity in employment
-
Reservists who have been mobilised will receive support from their line manager and other colleagues before, during and post mobilisation.
-
Spouses and civil partners of serving Regular or Reserve Forces personnel may be required to adjust family arrangements following their partner's posting or deployment. This can place additional burdens upon the spouse/family and they may wish to consider the option of flexible working or Time off for Dependants as a temporary or permanent measure.
-
Where appropriate, compassionate or special leave may be granted to spouses to assist them in dealing with critical issues arising from deployment or illness, injury or death wholly or partly attributable to being in service.
Benefits:-
Company events
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Private medical insurance
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Job Type
Full-time
PayCompetitive apprenticeship rates
(varies depending on apprenticeship type and age bracket).
Work Location
In person
Habens are excited to announce our 2026 Apprenticeship Programme, offering fantastic opportunities for enthusiastic and motivated individuals looking to start their careers in the construction industry.
We are offering apprenticeships in the following areas:
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Construction Support Technician
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Carpentry & Joinery
About the Apprenticeships
Working in partnership with local colleges, apprentices will attend either City of Portsmouth College or Portsmouth University, depending on their day release and chosen course. You’ll gain hands-on, real-life experience in the workplace, working alongside experienced professionals while developing your skills and knowledge through formal training. To apply, please follow the below details and after reviewing your application, shortlisted candidates will be invited to the Habens office for an interview.
What We’re Looking For
You’ll need to show:
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A genuine interest in the construction industry
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A positive attitude and willingness to learn
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Good communication and teamwork skills
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Reliability, commitment, and enthusiasm
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The ability to balance work and study
How to Apply
To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter to Personnel@dmhabensltd.co.uk including the following details in your cover letter:
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Which apprenticeship you’d like to be considered for (e.g. Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, etc.)
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Why you’re interested in this apprenticeship and why you think you’d be a great fit for Habens
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A brief summary of your education (including school or college attended and current or predicted qualifications)
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Any previous work experience (if applicable)
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Your contact details (address, phone number, and email)
Start your journey in construction with Habens
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