Construction Estimator

Apple Technical Recruitment (UK) Limited; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading Tier 1 main contractor in Cambridge is seeking a Construction Estimator to join the established pre-construction team. The role involves pricing and cost planning for major schemes and collaboration with an experienced Senior Estimator.

Applicants should have 3–5 years of estimating experience in a main contractor setting, and be familiar with Conquest or equivalent software. Salary is £50,000–£60,000 with a strong benefits package and progression opportunities.

Qualifications

• Strong numerical aptitude and commercial awareness.
• Experience in estimating for main contractors.
• Familiarity with Conquest or similar estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Deliver accurate element-by-element cost plans and first-principle estimates for major schemes up to £150m+.
• Quantify and take off drawings, schedules and BIM models to construct cost breakdown structures.
• Issue, analyse and scope subcontractor and specialist packages to ensure coverage and competitive pricing.
• Assist Senior Estimators during mid-tender reviews and value engineering exercises.
• Manage tender documentation and pricing databases; support handover to delivery teams.

Skills

Numerical aptitude

Commercial awareness

Education

HND/HNC or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management

Tools

Conquest

Excel

Job description

Vacancy Summary

Job Title: Construction Estimator

Job Type: Permanent

Job Ref: #1432

Location: Cambridge

Salary: c£50,000-£60,000 basic plus excellent benefits package including (car allowance, enhanced employer pension contribution over 5%, private healthcare, performance bonus)

Company & Project:

A leading Tier 1 main contractor with a track record in the Cambridge region is seeking a Construction Estimator to join their established pre-construction team.

Working within a structured, multi-disciplinary bid team on high-profile regional projects, the business has secured key framework positions and a robust pipeline across Commercial, Life Sciences, Higher Education, Healthcare, and Mixed-Use sectors.

This role will support the pricing and cost planning of major capital schemes ranging in value from £30m to £150m+, working alongside an experienced Senior Estimator who would be an excellent mentor.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Work as an integral part of the Tier 1 pre-construction team, delivering accurate element-by-element cost plans and first-principle estimates on major schemes up to £150m.
• Quantify and take off drawings, schedules, and digital models (BIM) to construct comprehensive cost breakdown structures.
• Issue, analyse, and scope subcontractor and specialist supplier packages to ensure compliance, full scope coverage, and competitive pricing.
• Assist Senior Estimators during mid-tender reviews, client risk meetings, and value engineering exercises.
• Manage tender documentation, maintain pricing databases, and support handover meetings to the commercial and project delivery teams.

Desirable Experience:

• 3-5 years of experience in an Estimating role within a main contractor environment.
• Exposure to pricing or measuring packages on construction projects.
• Familiarity with industry-standard estimating software (Conquest or similar platforms).
• Understanding of modern procurement routes (Two-Stage, D&B, JCT/NEC forms of contract).
• Previous Roles: Estimator OR Assistant Estimator OR Intermediate Estimator.

Qualifications & Skills:

• HND/HNC or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or comparable qualification.
• Strong numerical aptitude, commercial awareness, and proficient Excel / Estimating software skills.