Estimator

Blue Water Recruitment Limited; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Blue Water Recruitment is partnering with a well-established South Wales contractor to recruit an experienced Estimator for their pre-construction team. The role focuses on producing accurate, competitive tenders while collaborating with commercial, design, and operational teams.

You can progress within a growing business with a strong pipeline of work, and opportunities to develop your career in a busy project environment.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator within the construction industry.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Strong commercial awareness with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in MS Office and estimating software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Obtain and assess quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Produce bills of quantities and detailed cost breakdowns.
• Identify project risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings where required.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers, and internal project teams.
• Support negotiations and tender clarifications.
• Maintain estimating databases and cost information.
• Ensure tenders are submitted accurately and within deadlines.

Skills

Estimator experience

Construction industry

Contractor/subcontractor

Drawings & specs

Commercial awareness

Organizational skills

Communication skills

MS Office

Estimating software

Education

HNC/HND or Degree

Tools

ConQuest

Causeway

Candy

Job description

Blue Water Recruitment are working with a well-established construction contractor based in South Wales who are looking to recruit an experienced Estimators to join their pre-construction team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator who enjoys working on a diverse range of projects and wants to play a key role in securing future work. You'll be responsible for producing accurate, competitive tenders while collaborating closely with commercial, design, and operational teams.

Whether you're an experienced Estimator or looking to take the next step in your career, this role offers excellent development opportunities within a growing business with a strong pipeline of work.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for construction projects.
• Review drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Obtain and assess quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Produce bills of quantities and detailed cost breakdowns.
• Identify project risks and value engineering opportunities.
• Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings where required.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, suppliers, and internal project teams.
• Support negotiations and tender clarifications.
• Maintain estimating databases and cost information.
• Ensure tenders are submitted accurately and within deadlines.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience as an Estimator within the construction industry.
• Experience working for a main contractor or specialist subcontractor.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and pricing.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
• Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Strong organisational and time management skills.
• Confident communicator with the ability to build relationships.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office and estimating software.

Desirable

• HNC/HND or Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Experience pricing projects across sectors such as commercial, industrial, healthcare, education, residential, or infrastructure.
• Knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.
• Experience using estimating software such as ConQuest, Causeway, Candy, or similar.