Cost Planner/Estimator

Wates Smartspace; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Wates Smartspace in Birmingham is seeking a Cost Planner / Estimator to join our Construction team in the Midlands. You will produce accurate cost plans and estimates to support bid activity across a diverse range of projects.

Working with pre-construction, design and commercial teams, you will analyse drawings and specifications, benchmark data and engage with suppliers to develop robust proposals that can be delivered on time and within budget.

Qualifications

• Experience in cost planning or estimating within construction.
• Understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes and market conditions.
• Strong analytical skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates across a range of construction projects.
• Support the development of tender submissions and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure robust and deliverable proposals.
• Analyse project information, drawings and specifications to identify risks, opportunities and cost drivers.
• Engage with supply chain partners to obtain competitive quotations.
• Contribute to value engineering and buildability discussions.
• Maintain accurate benchmarking data and support continuous improvement.

Skills

Cost planning

Estimating

Construction knowledge

Analytical skills

Team collaboration

Job description

Cost Planner / Estimator - Construction West

Location: Birmingham

We are looking for a talented Cost Planner / Estimator to join our Construction business in the Midlands, supporting the development of high-quality, competitive bids and contributing to a strong regional pipeline.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to develop their career within a collaborative pre-construction environment, working across a diverse range of projects and sectors.

About the Role

You'll play a key role in the early stages of project development, producing accurate cost plans and estimates that support work-winning activity. Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design and Operational teams, you'll help shape projects from concept through to tender submission.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare cost plans, budgets and detailed estimates across a range of construction projects
• Support the development of tender submissions and pricing strategies
• Collaborate with design, commercial and delivery teams to ensure robust and deliverable proposals
• Analyse project information, drawings and specifications to identify risks, opportunities and cost drivers
• Engage with supply chain partners to obtain competitive quotations
• Contribute to value engineering and buildability discussions
• Maintain accurate benchmarking data and support continuous improvement

About You

• Experience in a Cost Planning or Estimating role within construction (contractor or consultancy)
• Understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes and market conditions
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret technical information
• Commercially aware, detail-focused and able to manage multiple inputs
• A collaborative approach, with experience working within pre-construction teams

What We Offer

• Opportunity to work on a diverse and high-profile pipeline across the North West
• A supportive, collaborative pre-construction team environment
• Career development and progression opportunities
• Competitive salary and benefits package

Why Join Us?

You'll be joining a forward-thinking construction business with a strong regional presence and ambitious growth plans-where your contribution will directly influence the projects we secure and deliver.