The Immune System of the Project: How QSs Can Protect Margin and Spot Risk Early (EP 216)

Own The Build

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5M ago 52:11

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Today, Paul is joined for the third time by Ray Mellor-Pike, a QS and Managing Director at RMP Consulting. Last time, Ray shared how FBI hostage negotiation tactics inform his approach to final account meetings. This time, he returns with another big idea: The Project Manager is the head of the project, but the Quantity Surveyor is the neck.

Together, Paul and Ray break down the real influence of a great QS — not just as a cost controller, but as the immune system of the project, constantly scanning for risk, protecting margin, and steering the team away from trouble.

In this episode, you’ll learn:

Why the best QSs are proactive, forward-thinking, and commercially strategic.
How to influence decisions and avoid margin erosion before problems grow.
Communication tactics to build trust, manage egos, and avoid friction on site.
What it means to be an interdepartmental glue on a project — and why it matters.
How small decisions and subtle influence can win final account battles.

Ray also shares a personal story about the first mistake that changed his whole approach to risk, and how he now positions himself as a commercial leader in final account negotiations.

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