Estimator

Building Careers UK Ltd; Coalville; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance/Company car

Pension

Healthcare

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd is seeking an Estimator for a Commercial & Industrial Projects role in Manchester. You will join a pre-construction team to tender commercial/industrial projects, preparing first-principles cost estimates and managing the full tender process with internal and external stakeholders.

The ideal candidate has proven Estimator experience within a main contractor, strong knowledge of construction methods, and the ability to produce accurate tenders under tight deadlines.

Qualifications

• Proven Estimator experience in main contractor projects.
• Strong background in commercial/industrial construction.
• Experience pricing general contracting schemes.
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials and market rates.
• Ability to produce accurate tenders under deadlines.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Excel.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates from first principles for commercial/industrial projects.
• Review tender documents, drawings, and specifications.
• Manage full tender process from enquiry through to submission.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations.
• Analyse subcontractor returns to ensure best value.
• Identify risks, opportunities and value engineering options within tenders.
• Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings as required.
• Work closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure alignment.
• Assist in post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams.
• Maintain and develop relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.

Skills

Estimator experience

Main contractor

Commercial/industrial

Pricing schemes

Construction knowledge

Analytical skills

Excel

Estimating software

Communication

Negotiation

Team oriented

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Estimator - Commercial & Industrial Projects

Location: Manchester - Salary/Package: £55,000 - £85,000 + comprehensive package

About the Company

Our client is a well‑established and growing main contractor with a strong footprint across the North West. They deliver a wide range of commercial and industrial projects, known for their quality, reliability, and long‑standing client relationships. With a solid pipeline of secured work and continued growth, they are looking to strengthen their pre‑construction team with an experienced Estimator.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator to join a dynamic and collaborative pre‑construction team. You will play a key role in the successful tendering of commercial and industrial general contracting projects, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to produce accurate, competitive, and commercially sound estimates.

As Estimator, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing detailed cost estimates from first principles for commercial and industrial projects
• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, and specifications
• Managing the full tender process from enquiry through to submission
• Liaising with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations
• Analysing and comparing subcontractor returns to ensure best value
• Identifying risks, opportunities, and value engineering options within tenders
• Attending site visits and pre‑tender meetings as required
• Working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure alignment
• Assisting in post‑tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams
• Maintaining and developing strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience in an Estimator role within a main contractor environment
• Strong background in commercial and/or industrial construction projects
• Experience pricing general contracting schemes
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and market rates
• Ability to produce accurate and competitive tenders under tight deadlines
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and team‑focused approach

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary of £55,000 - £85,000 depending on experience
• Attractive benefits package including car allowance/company car, pension, and healthcare
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of commercial and industrial projects
• Strong pipeline of work offering stability and long‑term career prospects
• Supportive team environment with clear progression opportunities
• Exposure to high‑quality projects with a reputable contractor

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.