Estimator

Kenna Recruitment Ltd; Cambridgeshire and Peterborough; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenna Recruitment Ltd is seeking an Estimator to prepare accurate, competitive tenders for specialist building envelope projects. You will analyse tender documentation, develop cost plans and identify technical and commercial requirements, collaborating with pre-construction, design, procurement and commercial teams.

The role involves reviewing drawings, preparing detailed estimates, and attending tender meetings to support successful bids and value engineering while meeting deadlines.

Qualifications

• Experience in preparing detailed estimates and tender submissions.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specs and scopes of work.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Commercial awareness and ability to identify risks and opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications and tender docs to produce accurate estimates.
• Prepare detailed cost plans and competitive tender submissions.
• Develop material, labour, plant and subcontract costs.
• Obtain and assess quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Liaise with clients and internal teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Identify commercial and programme risks and propose mitigations.
• Support value engineering and cost-saving solutions.
• Attend tender meetings and site visits as required.
• Maintain tender records and assist with handover to projects teams.
• Build strong relationships with supply chain partners.

Skills

Tendering

Cost analysis

Value engineering

Negotiation

Risk assessment

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

As an Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders for specialist building envelope projects.

Working closely with our pre-construction, design, procurement and commercial teams, you will analyse tender documentation, develop detailed cost plans and identify the technical and commercial requirements of each opportunity.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator who wants to work on technically challenging projects and develop their career within a specialist contractor operating at the forefront of the building envelope sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documentation.
• Prepare detailed estimates and competitive tender submissions for building envelope packages.
• Develop accurate material, labour, plant, subcontract and installation costs.
• Obtain and assess quotations from suppliers and specialist subcontractors.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, clients and internal teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Identify commercial, technical and programme risks within tender opportunities.
• Work closely with Design and Technical teams to develop cost-effective and buildable solutions.
• Attend tender meetings, site visits and client meetings where required.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative proposals.
• Prepare tender summaries and present estimates for internal review.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and contribute to the company's estimating database.
• Ensure tenders are submitted accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the Commercial and Project teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers and the wider supply chain.

About You

We are looking for an Estimator with experience within the construction industry. You will be commercially minded, highly organised and comfortable working with complex technical information and multiple tender deadlines.

You should have:

• Strong understanding of construction costs, materials and subcontractor pricing.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other relevant estimating software.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider team.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, opportunities and cost-saving solutions.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• A professional and commercially focused approach.