Construction Estimator - Residential

Major Recruitment Norwich; Fakenham; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company Car

Private Medical Insurance

Company Pension Scheme

Gym Membership

Health & Wellbeing Programme

Job summary

Major Recruitment Norwich is assisting a respected Norfolk-based construction firm to appoint a Senior Construction Estimator for luxury residential projects. The role centers on pre-construction estimating, tender submissions, and developing project rates from first principles.

You will operate in a close, collaborative team that values accuracy and commercial insight. The successful candidate will bring knowledge of residential construction, excellent Excel and estimating software skills, and

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator or Estimator within construction.
• Experience with residential luxury projects preferred but other sectors considered if demonstrable.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and labour productivity.
• Excellent commercial awareness and cost control capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for construction projects.
• Review drawings, specs and docs to assess costs and resources.
• Build labour, material, plant and resource rates from first principles.
• Produce pricing using established cost benchmarks and market intel.
• Collaborate with Directors and project teams to develop competitive bids.
• Assess risks and opportunities; provide value engineering where appropriate.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Monitor market trends, material costs and labour rates.
• Present cost breakdowns and tender reports to senior management/clients.
• Support budgeting, forecasting and pre-construction planning.
• Manage multiple tenders and deadlines with high accuracy.

Skills

Senior Estimator

Residential construction knowledge

Analytical thinking

Excel proficiency

Tools

Estimating software

Cost planning software

Job description

Construction Estimator – Residential

Location: Norfolk | Salary: £65,000 – £75,000 per annum plus excellent benefits | Contract: Permanent | Full Time | Location: Fully Onsite

Our client is a highly respected construction company renowned for delivering exceptional luxury residential projects across Norfolk. With a reputation for outstanding craftsmanship, attention to detail, and exceptional client service, they are seeking an experienced Senior Construction Estimator to strengthen their growing pre‑construction team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator who enjoys the challenge of pre‑construction planning and pricing. Whilst candidates with a residential construction background are preferred, applications are welcomed from estimators with experience across other construction sectors who can demonstrate the right mindset, attention to detail, and commercial awareness.

Working as part of a close‑knit and highly collaborative team, you will take ownership of the estimating function, producing accurate and commercially viable cost estimates for a range of prestigious construction projects. This is a role that offers significant autonomy and trust from the Directors, making it well‑suited to someone who thrives on responsibility and enjoys managing their own workload.

The Role

As Construction Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions, ensuring projects are accurately planned and budgeted from the outset. The role is heavily focused on pre‑construction estimating, and the successful candidate must be happy specialising in this area rather than progressing into project management or quantity surveying responsibilities.

A key aspect of the position is the ability to develop and build project rates from first principles. Unlike many contractors, our client employs a large in‑house workforce and does not heavily rely on subcontractors, so a strong understanding of labour productivity, construction methodologies, and resource planning is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for construction projects.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, and project documentation to assess costs and resource requirements.
• Build accurate labour, material, plant, and resource rates from first principles.
• Produce commercially sound pricing using established cost benchmarks and market intelligence.
• Work closely with Directors and project teams to develop competitive and profitable bids.
• Assess project risks and opportunities and provide value engineering recommendations where appropriate.
• Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations where required.
• Monitor market trends, material costs, and labour rates.
• Present detailed cost breakdowns and tender reports to senior management and clients.
• Support budgeting, forecasting, and pre‑construction planning activities.
• Manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively while maintaining exceptional accuracy and attention to detail.

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator or Estimator within the construction industry.
• Residential construction experience is highly desirable, particularly within high‑end or bespoke residential projects; candidates from other sectors will also be considered.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, labour productivity, and project costing.
• Experience creating rates and pricing projects from first principles.
• Excellent commercial awareness and understanding of project finance and cost control.
• Strong proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• Exceptional attention to detail with a meticulous approach to work.
• Excellent organisational, time‑management, and workload prioritisation skills.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving abilities.
• A proactive and self‑motivated approach with the confidence to work independently.
• Excellent communication and relationship‑building skills.
• A personable and professional individual who can build strong working relationships with colleagues, clients, suppliers, and consultants.

Why Apply

Competitive salary of £65,000 – £75,000 per annum and a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Company Car
• Private Medical Insurance
• Company Pension Scheme
• Gym Membership
• Health & Wellbeing Programme

Join a well‑established and highly regarded construction company, work on prestigious and architecturally impressive projects across Norfolk, enjoy a role with genuine autonomy and influence within the business, be part of a supportive, collaborative, and sociable team culture that regularly comes together outside of work, and benefit from excellent opportunities for long‑term career development and progression.