Building Estimator

Streamline Search; Derby; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Streamline Search is seeking an experienced Building Estimator in Derby to take ownership of tendering processes, from reviewing initial drawings to producing accurate cost estimates and competitive tenders.

You will collaborate with the commercial and pre-construction teams, subcontractors and suppliers to price projects effectively and ensure successful handovers after bid outcomes.

Qualifications

• Experience in building/construction Estimator roles.
• Ability to interpret drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical and cost-management skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for building projects.
• Review tender documents, drawings and specs to define scope.
• Take-off quantities and analyze labour, materials, plant and preliminaries.
• Issue enquiries to subcontractors, compare prices, negotiate rates.
• Prepare tender submissions and pricing schedules for client submissions.
• Coordinate with commercial and pre-construction teams and suppliers.

Skills

Tendering

Cost estimation

Reading drawings

Procurement

Negotiation

Numerical accuracy

Excel

Tools

CostX

Job description

Building Estimator

Location: Derby / East Midlands
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Working Hours: Monday - Friday, full-time

The Opportunity

An established construction contractor is looking to recruit an experienced Building Estimator to join its commercial team.

The business delivers a range of building and construction projects, covering new build, refurbishment and general construction works across a variety of sectors.

This is an opportunity for an Estimator who can take ownership of the tendering process, from reviewing initial drawings and specifications through to producing accurate cost estimates and submitting competitive tenders.

You'll work closely with the commercial and pre-construction teams, as well as subcontractors and suppliers, to ensure projects are priced accurately and commercially.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for a range of building and construction projects.
• Review tender documentation, architectural drawings and specifications to establish the full scope of works.
• Carry out accurate measurements and quantity take-offs.
• Break down project costs, including labour, materials, plant, preliminaries and subcontractor packages.
• Send out enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers, obtain quotations and compare returned prices.
• Negotiate rates and identify opportunities to improve tender costs without compromising quality.
• Identify any gaps, risks or discrepancies within tender documentation.
• Prepare detailed tender submissions, pricing schedules and supporting documentation.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and the supply chain throughout the tender process.
• Work alongside Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to ensure a smooth handover when projects are secured.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience in a Building Estimator or Construction Estimator position.
• Background working for a main contractor or general building contractor.
• Good understanding of building construction methods, materials and sequencing.
• Confident interpreting construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Experience producing detailed estimates and pricing projects from initial enquiry through to tender submission.
• Good knowledge of subcontractor procurement and supplier negotiations.
• Strong numerical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Good working knowledge of Excel and estimating software.
• Able to manage multiple tenders and work to deadlines.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary depending on experience.
• Monday to Friday working hours.
• Opportunity to join an established and growing construction business.
• Varied project portfolio across different construction sectors.
• Supportive commercial team and opportunities for professional development.
• Long-term opportunity within an established contractor.