Estimator

Uniting Holding; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Greater London seeks an Estimator to join their pre-construction team. The role involves preparing competitive tenders and cost plans for significant projects ranging from £20m to £100m+. The ideal candidate should have extensive experience in estimating within a main contractor environment, and proficiency with tools like CostX. This position offers a competitive salary, development opportunities, and exposure to major UK developments. Join a collaborative team to contribute to successful projects.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Clear progression pathway

Ongoing training and development opportunities

Exposure to major UK projects

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator within a main contractor environment.
• Strong understanding of procurement and tendering processes.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contracts.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documents for completeness.
• Prepare cost plans and manage subcontract pricing.
• Identify subcontractors and assess returns during tendering.
• Support the development of tender submissions and cost plans.

Skills

Experience as an Estimator

Understanding of construction methods

Ability to read drawings and specifications

Proficient in take-offs and measurements

Strong analytical thinking

Excellent numeracy

Strong communication skills

Tools

CostX

Job description

About JJ Rhatigan & Company

JJ Rhatigan & Company is a main building contractor with over 70 years’ experience delivering high-quality, sustainable projects across Ireland and the UK. We specialise in residential, commercial, education, and healthcare schemes, all delivered with innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence.

In the UK, we are delivering landmark developments such as:

The Yardhouse, London:

An 18-storey mixed‑use development combining residential, co‑living and commercial space, along with a new headquarters for Women’s Pioneer Housing.

Twyford Abbey, Ealing:

An £84m residential scheme delivering 296 homes, with significant heritage restoration works to the listed Abbey and walled garden.

The Role

We are looking for a skilled Estimator (Mid–Senior level) to join our UK pre‑construction team. You will play a critical role in preparing competitive tenders and cost plans for projects typically ranging from £20m to £100m+, working across residential, commercial, education, and mixed‑use sectors.

You will analyse tender documents, prepare cost plans, measurements on‑screen, manage subcontract pricing, and contribute to developing comprehensive and commercially strong proposals submissions. The role provides exposure to major UK schemes and offers the chance to grow within an expanding pre‑construction team.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

• Review tender documents and confirm completeness of information received.
• Prepare take‑offs, quantities and cost plans using CostX (training provided if required)
• Break down tender packages and identify suitable subcontractors/suppliers.
• Identify and flag gaps in subcontract pricing and plug appropriately.
• Issue enquiries, assess returns and undertake detailed subcontract comparisons.
• Coordinate closely with design, planning and project teams to assess preliminaries, logistics and programme implications.
• Identify and communicate risks, opportunities, assumptions, exclusions and design gaps.
• Support the development of cost plans, tender summaries and commercial submissions.
• Generate value‑engineering options and alternative specifications.
• Attend tender launch, mid‑bid and settlement meetings.
• Prepare written clarifications and respond to post‑submission queries.
• Complete handover packs for successful bids and support mobilisation where required.

Skills & Experience Required

• Experience as an Estimator within a main contractor environment (UK or Irish market)
• Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement routes and tendering processes
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contractual information
• Proficient in take‑offs, measurement and bill production (CostX or similar)
• Skilled in analysing subcontract quotations and identifying scope gaps and risks
• Strong commercial awareness and analytical thinking
• Comfortable working with evolving design information and forming reasoned assumptions
• Excellent numeracy and attention to detail
• Highly organised, able to prioritise multiple tenders and deadlines
• Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams

What JJ Rhatigan Can Offer You

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Clear progression pathway and ongoing training, CPD and development opportunities
• Opportunities to work on major, high‑profile UK projects
• A collaborative, forward‑thinking work environment

If you’re an ambitious Estimator eager to take on larger, more challenging tenders and contribute to a successful UK pre‑construction team, we’d love to hear from you.

JJ Rhatigan & Company is an equal opportunities employer.