Estimator

Marshall Recruitment; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

Marshall Recruitment in Ipswich seeks an experienced Construction Estimator to join a busy pre-construction and commercial team. You will prepare accurate tenders from enquiry to submission, using detailed drawings and specifications.

You will produce quantity take-offs and Bills of Quantities, assess costs, obtain quotations, and support handover to projects. Experience with Conquest and MS Office is essential; a UK-wide vigilant approach to margins is required.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating construction schemes from drawings and specs.
• Ability to build up detailed estimates and identify cost drivers.
• Proven track record with tender submissions and cost planning.

Responsibilities

• Review tender documentation and drawings to prepare estimates.
• Carry out quantity take-offs and produce Bills of Quantities.
• Prepare accurate, competitive estimates for projects £500k–£10m.
• Assess labour, materials, plant, subcontractor and other costs.
• Obtain and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Identify risks, exclusions and cost saving opportunities.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and internal teams through tender process.
• Prepare tender submissions and handover to projects.

Skills

Tendering

Quantity take-offs

Cost estimation

Stakeholder liaison

Tools

Conquest estimating system

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Estimator - Construction

Location: Ipswich, Suffolk

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Project Values: £500k - £10m

We are currently looking for an experienced Estimator to join an established and growing construction business based in Ipswich.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator looking to take the next step in their career and become a key member of a busy pre-construction and commercial team. You will be involved in a varied portfolio of projects, typically ranging from £500,000 to £10 million, covering new-build commercial, industrial and educational projects, with a smaller element of domestic work.

The successful candidate will play an important role in preparing accurate, competitive and commercially sound tenders, from the initial enquiry through to submission and handover.

The Role

As an Estimator, you will be responsible for reviewing and interpreting tender documentation, specifications and construction drawings to produce detailed and accurate estimates.

A key part of the role will be using specifications and drawings to carry out detailed quantity take-offs and produce Bills of Quantities, ensuring all elements of the works are accurately captured and costed.

• Reviewing tender drawings, specifications, schedules and other contract documentation.
• Carrying out detailed quantity take-offs and producing Bills of Quantities.
• Preparing accurate and competitive estimates for projects ranging from £500k to £10m.
• Assessing labour, materials, plant, subcontractor and other project costs.
• Obtaining and analysing competitive quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Identifying risks, exclusions, opportunities and potential areas for cost savings.
• Ensuring tenders are commercially competitive while maintaining appropriate margins.
• Liaising with subcontractors, suppliers, clients, consultants and internal teams throughout the tender process.
• Preparing tender submissions and supporting documentation.
• Working closely with the commercial and operational teams to ensure accurate pricing and scope coverage.
• Assisting with the handover of successful tenders to the project and commercial teams.Maintaining accurate estimating records and ensuring all tender information is clearly documented.

You will be working across a diverse range of projects, predominantly within the commercial, industrial and education sectors, alongside a smaller amount of domestic work.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Construction Estimator with a strong understanding of construction methods, costs and commercial principles.

You will ideally have experience estimating projects within the £500k-£10m range and be confident working from detailed drawings, specifications and tender documentation.

You must be able to:

• Accurately interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Complete detailed quantity take-offs.
• Produce accurate Bills of Quantities.
• Build up detailed estimates from first principles.
• Assess labour, material, plant and subcontractor costs.
• Analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.Identify commercial risks and opportunities within a tender.Manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.Communicate effectively with clients, consultants, subcontractors, suppliers and colleagues.

Experience using the Conquest estimating system is essential, along with good working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

You will be commercially aware, highly organised and detail-focused, with a proactive approach to your work. The ability to work independently while also contributing positively to a wider team is essential.

Ideally, you will be based within approximately one hour of Ipswich, allowing you to work effectively from the company's office and attend meetings or site visits when required.

If you are an experienced Construction Estimator with strong knowledge of drawings, specifications, Bills of Quantities and detailed estimating, and you are looking for a new challenge within the Ipswich area, we would be keen to hear from you.