Building Estimator

Streamline Search; East Midlands; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Streamline Search in Derby is seeking a Building Estimator to lead tendering from initial drawings to final bids, ensuring accurate and competitive cost estimates across a range of construction projects.

You will collaborate with the commercial and pre-construction teams, coordinate with subcontractors and suppliers, and help deliver projects on time and within budget. This is a full-time on-site role in the East Midlands with growth opportunities.

Qualifications

• Experience as Building Estimator or Construction Estimator.
• Experience with main contractor or general building contractor.
• Understanding of building methods, materials and sequencing.
• Able to interpret drawings, specs and tender docs.
• Experience producing detailed estimates and tenders.
• Knowledge of subcontractor procurement and supplier negotiations.
• Strong numerical skills with attention to detail.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for building and construction projects.
• Review tender docs, drawings and specs to establish scope.
• 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 and compare quotes.
• Negotiate rates to improve tender costs without sacrificing quality.
• Identify gaps, risks or discrepancies in tender documents.
• Prepare tender submissions and pricing schedules.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and supply chain through tender.
• Collaborate with Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers for handover.

Skills

Tender estimation

Cost estimation

Excel

Budgeting

Quantity take-offs

Subcontractor negotiations

Tender submissions

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

Before applying for this role, please read the following information about this opportunity found below.

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.