Estimator (Construction)
Location: Rural Dartford, Kent / DA2
Office Hours: Monday - Friday - 8.30-5pm - 37.5 hour week. Office Based. 1 day hybrid offered following probation (6mths).
Salary: £(phone number removed) per annum salary + Commission (Paid Quarterly)
- 25 days + Bank Holidays annual leave allowance (increases with service)
- Private Medical Insurance
- Pension
- Training and Development opportunities
- Parking
- Life Assurance
- Xmas office closure
- Team and company social events
Are you a detail-oriented and analytical estimator looking to elevate your career in the building and construction industry? Our client, a UK leader in the design, installation, and maintenance of smoke ventilation systems, is seeking a skilled Estimator to join their dynamic team, reporting into a Estimating Lead and forming a team of 4 within this busy team.
Role Purpose
The Estimator will manage tender enquiries from initial review through to quotation and project handover. This role demands a strong understanding of construction documentation, an ability to interpret drawings and specifications, and a commercial mindset to produce accurate and competitive quotations.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Tendering
- Review tender enquiry drawings, fire strategies, specifications, and project information to establish the required scope of works.
- Identify inclusions, exclusions, assumptions, and potential gaps within tender information.
- Prepare accurate material and labour quantities based on available project information.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Prepare and submit detailed quotations within required timescales.
- Update quotations throughout the tender process as new information is released.
- Identify technical and commercial risks associated with each tender.
- Propose alternative methods, materials, or solutions to reduce project costs while maintaining quality.
- Negotiate with suppliers, subcontractors, and clients to achieve commercially viable outcomes.
Commercial & Project Support
- Review contracts and order documentation to ensure consistency with the tender submission.
- Assist in preparing schedules of rates and costs for payment applications.
- Finalise project budgets post-order placement and liaise with design and project management teams to ensure alignment with the agreed scope.
- Conduct design checks to ensure consistency with the agreed scope of works.
- Support the resolution of commercial or scope-related queries during the project lifecycle.
Client & Business Development
- Establish and maintain strong working relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Follow up on quotations and maintain regular communication with clients throughout the tender process.
- Identify opportunities for additional work and future tenders.
- Maintain accurate records of enquiries, quotations, follow-ups, and outcomes in the company's CRM system.
Skills & Experience Required
- Previous estimating experience in construction, M&E, fire protection, smoke ventilation, or a related building services environment.
- Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
- Good commercial awareness and understanding of project costs and margins.
- Familiarity with industry standards, regulations, and best practises.
- Excellent analytical, numerical, written, and verbal communication skills.
- Ability to negotiate effectively with suppliers, subcontractors, and clients.
- Strong organisational skills with a keen attention to detail.
- Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook; experience with estimating or construction software is advantageous.
Qualifications & Requirements
- GCSE Maths and English, Grade C/4 or above, or equivalent.
- Previous estimating experience; familiarity with a construction or building services environment is preferred.
- Willingness to develop technical knowledge in smoke ventilation and fire safety.
- Ability to travel to the Head Office, Dartford.
This is a fantastic opportunity for a motivated Estimator to join a forward-thinking organisation committed to excellence and career development.