Estimator

Ignite Talent Group; Leeds; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Performance-related bonus

Company pension

Additional benefits

Job summary

Ignite Talent Group is recruiting an Estimator to join a West Yorkshire housebuilder delivering traditional homes, affordable housing and care homes. The role focuses on cost planning, appraisals and commercial viability for new developments.

The successful candidate will have experience in housebuilding, review drawings, prepare detailed estimates and work with supply chain to secure competitive pricing. Office-based in West Yorkshire with a comprehensive package.

Qualifications

• /Previous experience as an Estimator in housebuilding or residential construction/
• /Understanding of traditional housebuilding methods and costs/
• /Experience preparing estimates, cost plans and budgets for residential projects/
• /Able to review drawings and bills of quantities/
• /Experience obtaining and analysing subcontractor quotations/
• /Strong commercial awareness and value engineering ability/
• /Excellent numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail/
• /Proficient in Excel and estimating software/
• /Good collaboration with Commercial, Technical and Construction teams/
• /Full UK driving licence and office-based role in West Yorkshire/

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates, cost plans and budgets for housing developments.
• Review drawings, specifications and BOQ to establish costs.
• Obtain and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Develop and maintain cost information for materials, labour, plant and subcontract packages.
• Negotiate pricing and terms with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Identify cost savings and value engineering opportunities.
• Assist with development appraisals, budgets and cost forecasts.
• Work with Commercial, Technical and Construction teams to reflect development requirements.
• Assess drawings for discrepancies and risks.
• Maintain knowledge of market prices and subcontractor rates in Yorkshire.
• Support tender submissions and assess new development opportunities.
• Ensure estimates are accurate and commercially competitive.
• Build relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to improving estimating procedures and cost databases.

Skills

Estimating

Cost planning

Budgeting

Negotiation

Excel

Attention to detail

Communication

Driving licence

Education

Quantity Surveying/Estimating qualification

Tools

Estimating software

MS Excel

Job description

Estimator – West Yorkshire - Housebuilding

£50,000 – £60,000 + Package (Based on Experience)

We are currently recruiting for an Estimator to join an established housebuilder delivering traditional Homes, affordable housing developments and care homes across Yorkshire.

Based full-time in the company's West Yorkshire office, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator to join a residential developer, playing a key role in the financial appraisal, cost planning and commercial viability of new housing developments.

The successful candidate will have previous experience within housebuilding, either directly for a residential developer or through a subcontractor operating within the residential construction sector. You will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive estimates, analysing construction costs and working closely with internal teams and the supply chain to ensure developments are commercially viable.

The Role

• Prepare detailed estimates, cost plans and budgets for traditional and affordable housing developments.
• Review architectural drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation to establish accurate construction costs.
• Obtain, analyse and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive pricing across all elements of construction.
• Develop and maintain accurate cost information covering materials, labour, plant and subcontract packages.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to negotiate pricing, clarify specifications and establish competitive commercial terms.
• Identify potential cost savings, alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities without compromising quality or buildability.
• Assist with the preparation and review of development appraisals, budgets and cost forecasts.
• Work closely with the Commercial, Technical, Land and Construction teams to ensure estimates accurately reflect the requirements of each development.
• Assess construction drawings and specifications to identify discrepancies, risks and potential cost implications.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of material prices, subcontractor rates and market conditions across the Yorkshire residential construction sector.
• Support the preparation of tender submissions and contribute to the assessment of new development opportunities.
• Ensure estimates are accurate, commercially competitive and aligned with the company's construction methods and development objectives.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating procedures, cost databases and commercial reporting.

About You

• Previous experience as an Estimator within housebuilding or residential construction, either directly for a housebuilder or through a relevant subcontractor.
• Good understanding of traditional housebuilding methods, construction processes and associated build costs.
• Experience preparing estimates, cost plans and budgets for residential construction projects.
• Confident reviewing construction drawings, specifications and bills of quantities.
• Experience obtaining and analysing subcontractor quotations and negotiating competitive pricing.
• Strong commercial awareness, with the ability to identify cost efficiencies and value engineering opportunities.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and organisational skills, with a high level of attention to detail.
• Confident using Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating or construction cost-management software.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively with Commercial, Technical and Construction teams.
• Proactive approach to problem-solving, with the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
• Relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying, Estimating, Commercial Management or a construction-related discipline would be advantageous.
• Full UK driving licence, although the position itself is based full-time in the West Yorkshire office.

Salary & Package

• £50,000 – £60,000, based on experience.
• Performance-related bonus.
• Company pension scheme.
• Additional company benefits.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with housebuilding experience to join an established Yorkshire developer, contributing to the delivery of traditional and affordable housing while playing an important role in the commercial success of its developments.