Estimator

Samuel James Recruitment Ltd; Bexleyheath; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commercial landscaping contractor is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its growing pre-construction team in Bexleyheath. The ideal candidate will prepare cost proposals for a variety of projects, liaise with suppliers, and support bid presentations. They need a strong understanding of landscaping materials and proficient skills in estimating software. The role offers a competitive salary, benefits including pension and healthcare, and the opportunity for career development within a supportive office environment.

Benefits

Pension

Healthcare contribution

Professional development

Expenses

Hybrid working options

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator within landscaping or horticulture.
• Confident in reading technical drawings and conducting take-offs.
• Detail-driven and able to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for commercial and public realm projects.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors for quotations.
• Support bid presentations and value engineering exercises.

Skills

Understanding of soft and hard landscaping materials

Strong numerical and analytical skills

Communication skills

Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel)

Experience with estimating software

Job description

Estimator | Landscaping & Horticulture | Up to £60,000 + Benefits | Bexleyheath, Kent

A leading commercial landscaping contractor based in Bexleyheath is seeking an experienced Estimator to join its growing pre‑construction team. Operating across London and the South East, the company delivers high‑quality green space, education, commercial, and public realm projects. This is an exciting opportunity for an Estimator who enjoys variety, collaboration, and shaping beautiful outdoor environments from the ground up.

The Estimator’s Role

Working closely with Directors, Quantity Surveyors, and Project Managers, the Estimator will take responsibility for preparing accurate and competitive cost proposals across a range of soft and hard landscaping schemes.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for commercial and public realm projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and tender documents to define scope and identify risks.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive quotations.
• Support bid presentations and value engineering exercises.
• Collaborate with delivery teams to ensure a smooth handover from tender to construction.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of pricing databases and tender processes.

The Estimator

• Proven experience as an Estimator within landscaping, horticulture, or external works.
• Excellent understanding of soft and hard landscaping materials, planting, and construction methods.
• Confident reading technical drawings, conducting take‑offs, and working with cost databases.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and communication skills.
• Proficient in MS Office (especially Excel) and estimating software.
• Detail‑driven, proactive, and comfortable managing multiple tenders simultaneously.
• Suitable backgrounds: Landscaping Estimator / Grounds Maintenance Estimator / External Works Estimator / Landscape Surveyor.

In Return?

• Salary: up to £65,000 depending on experience.
• Benefits: pension, healthcare contribution, professional development, expenses, and hybrid working options.
• Environment: supportive office culture with direct access to decision‑makers and structured career development.
• Projects: diverse portfolio across commercial, education, and public sectors.
• Security: long‑term, permanent position with a respected and established landscaping contractor.

If you are an Estimator considering your career options, please contact Sam Patuzzo at Samuel James for a confidential discussion.