Estimator

Daniel Owen Ltd; Exeter; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Daniel Owen Ltd in Exeter, Devon, seeks an experienced Estimator to join a leading Tier 1 contractor. You will manage tenders from enquiry to submission, pricing and risk assessment across refurbishment, building fabric, and new build projects.

Candidates with strong measurement, take-off, and costing skills, experience with tendering software, Excel and MS Project will thrive in this role. £55k-£75k salary plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating across refurbishment, building fabric, fit-out or new build environments.
• Background in main contractor or Tier 1/Tier 2 contracting is preferred.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Experience pricing construction projects and analysing subcontractor quotations.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and schedules.
• Carry out detailed measurements and take-offs.
• Prepare Bills of Quantities (BQs).
• Obtain and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Prepare detailed cost plans and tender submissions.
• Identify commercial risks, clarifications and exclusions.
• Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings.
• Manage multiple live tenders simultaneously.

Skills

Measurement & take-offs

Pricing construction

Excel

Estimating software

MS Project

Stakeholder management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Project

Estimating software

Job description

Estimator - Tier 1 Contractor

Exeter, Devon | £55,000 - £75,000 + Benefits

We're currently recruiting on behalf of a leading Tier 1 contractor for an experienced Estimator to join their growing team in Exeter.

This is a fantastic opportunity for an Estimator with a background in refurbishment, building fabric, new build or general construction. The client is also open to considering candidates who have come from a Quantity Surveying (QS) background and have strong commercial, measurement and pricing experience.

The successful candidate will work across a range of public sector and commercial projects, including refurbishment and building fabric works, with project values ranging from approximately £50k to £10m.

The Role

As an Estimator, you will manage tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission and handover to the delivery team. You'll be responsible for producing accurate and competitive estimates, identifying commercial risks and working closely with suppliers, subcontractors, clients and internal teams.

You will be involved in:

• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, specifications and schedules
• Carrying out detailed measurements and take-offs
• Preparing Bills of Quantities (BQs)
• Obtaining and analysing subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Preparing detailed cost plans and tender submissions
• Identifying commercial risks, clarifications and exclusions
• Attending site visits and pre-tender meetings
• Managing multiple live tenders simultaneously

  About You

  We're looking for someone with proven experience in construction estimating, ideally within refurbishment, building fabric, fit-out or new build environments.

  You could be an experienced Estimator already, or alternatively you may be a Quantity Surveyor looking to move into an estimating/pre-construction role.

  You should have:

  • Experience within a main contractor, Tier 1/Tier 2 contractor or similar construction environment
  • Strong knowledge of construction measurement and take-off
  • The ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation
  • Experience pricing construction projects and analysing subcontractor quotations
  • Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail
  • The ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines
  • Good communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Strong Microsoft Excel skills
  • Experience with estimating/tendering software would be advantageous
  • Microsoft Project knowledge would be desirable

  Why Consider This Opportunity?

  This is an excellent opportunity to join an established Tier 1 contractor with a strong pipeline of work and a reputation for delivering complex projects across the public sector and commercial markets.

  You'll have the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of projects, develop your estimating experience and progress your career within a stable and growing organisation.

  Salary: £55,000 - £75,000 depending on experience

  Location: Exeter, Devon

  Holiday: 25 days + Bank Holidays

  Benefits: Pension, private medical care and onsite parking