Estimator

Kenna Recruitment Ltd; Huntingdon; Hybrid; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenna Recruitment Ltd is seeking an Estimator for a specialist building envelope contractor in Cambridgeshire. You will prepare accurate tenders, analyse drawings and develop detailed cost plans in collaboration with pre-construction, design, procurement and commercial teams.

The role requires working with complex technical information and multiple tender deadlines, with hybrid working: four days on site and one day from home.

Qualifications

• Previous experience in a construction estimating role.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Experience in building envelope projects is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documentation.
• Prepare detailed estimates and competitive tender submissions for building envelope packages.
• Develop accurate material, labour, plant, subcontract and installation costs.
• Obtain and assess quotations from suppliers and specialist subcontractors.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, clients and internal teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Identify commercial, technical and programme risks within tender opportunities.
• Work closely with Design and Technical teams to develop cost-effective and buildable solutions.
• Attend tender meetings, site visits and client meetings where required.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative proposals.
• Prepare tender summaries and present estimates for internal review.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and contribute to the company's estimating database.
• Ensure tenders are submitted accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the Commercial and Project teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers and the wider supply chain.

Skills

Attention to detail

Analytical mindset

Communication skills

Proactive cost-saving

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Estimator

Cambridgeshire

4 days / 1 day working from home

The Role

As an Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders for specialist building envelope projects.

Working closely with our pre-construction, design, procurement and commercial teams, you will analyse tender documentation, develop detailed cost plans and identify the technical and commercial requirements of each opportunity.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator who wants to work on technically challenging projects and develop their career within a specialist contractor operating at the forefront of the building envelope sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and interpret drawings, specifications, scopes of work and tender documentation.
• Prepare detailed estimates and competitive tender submissions for building envelope packages.
• Develop accurate material, labour, plant, subcontract and installation costs.
• Obtain and assess quotations from suppliers and specialist subcontractors.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors, clients and internal teams to clarify scope and pricing.
• Identify commercial, technical and programme risks within tender opportunities.
• Work closely with Design and Technical teams to develop cost-effective and buildable solutions.
• Attend tender meetings, site visits and client meetings where required.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative proposals.
• Prepare tender summaries and present estimates for internal review.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and contribute to the company's estimating database.
• Ensure tenders are submitted accurately and within agreed deadlines.
• Support the handover of successful tenders to the Commercial and Project teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers and the wider supply chain.

About You

We are looking for an Estimator with experience within the construction industry, ideally gained within façades, cladding, roofing, curtain walling, glazing or another specialist subcontracting environment.

You will be commercially minded, highly organised and comfortable working with complex technical information and multiple tender deadlines.

You should have:

• Previous experience in a construction estimating role.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, materials and subcontractor pricing.
• Ability to interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and other relevant estimating software.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively within a wider team.
• A proactive approach to identifying risks, opportunities and cost-saving solutions.
• The ability to manage competing priorities and work to tight deadlines.
• A professional and commercially focused approach.

Experience within the building envelope sector would be advantageous, but applications from Estimators with relevant specialist construction experience will also be considered