Estimator

Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd; Leicester; On-site; GBP 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Job summary

Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd is seeking a Shopfitting Estimator to support the successful delivery of retail and interior fit-out projects in Leicestershire. You will produce competitive and accurate tender submissions while overseeing procurement of materials, specialist packages, and subcontract services.

The role requires strong commercial acumen, supplier management experience, and the ability to balance cost, quality and programme requirements.

Qualifications

• At least 5 years' experience in shopfitting, fit-out, joinery, or interior construction estimating.
• Strong knowledge of shopfitting products, manufacturing techniques, and installation practices.
• Previous procurement and supply chain management experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and project specifications.
• Excellent commercial awareness and numerical capability.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent user of Microsoft Excel and estimating software packages.
• Proven ability to manage several tenders and procurement activities simultaneously.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Analyse tender enquiries, design information, specifications, and project documentation.
• Produce comprehensive cost plans and tender submissions for shopfitting and interior fit-out schemes.
• Request, review, and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure best value.
• Calculate labour, material, manufacturing, logistics, and installation costs.
• Evaluate commercial risks and opportunities within each project and reflect these within pricing strategies.
• Prepare bills of quantities, pricing breakdowns, and tender analysis reports.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, designers, suppliers, and operational teams throughout the bidding process.
• Attend site visits, surveys, and tender review meetings where required.
• Maintain and update historical cost data and estimating records.
• Contribute to value engineering exercises to maximise project margins and cost efficiency.

Skills

Shopfitting knowledge

Procurement experience

Reading technical drawings

Stakeholder management

Excel proficiency

Tender management

Education

HNC/HND/Degree in construction or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Estimating software packages

SAP systems

Job description

Shopfitting Estimator

Location: Leicestershire

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Shopfitting Estimatorto support the successful delivery of retail, commercialand fit-out projects. This role will be responsible for producing competitive and accurate tender submissions, whilst overseeing the procurement of materials, specialist packages, and subcontract services.

The successful candidate will possess strong commercial acumen, supplier management experience, and the ability to balance cost, quality, and programme requirements.

Main Responsibilities

Estimating Duties

• Analyse tender enquiries, design information, specifications, and project documentation.
• Produce comprehensive cost plans and tender submissions for shopfitting and interior fit-out schemes.
• Request, review, and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure best value.
• Calculate labour, material, manufacturing, logistics, and installation costs.
• Evaluate commercial risks and opportunities within each project and reflect these within pricing strategies.
• Prepare bills of quantities, pricing breakdowns, and tender analysis reports.
• Liaise with clients, consultants, designers, suppliers, and operational teams throughout the bidding process.
• Attend site visits, surveys, and tender review meetings where required.
• Maintain and update historical cost data and estimating records.
• Contribute to value engineering exercises to maximise project margins and cost efficiency.

Procurement Duties

• Procure materials, fixtures, fittings, bespoke joinery, and subcontract packages required for project delivery.
• Negotiate favourable rates, lead times, and supply agreements with vendors and subcontractors.
• Raise purchase orders and track procurement activities against project programmes.
• Monitor supplier performance in relation to quality, delivery, reliability, and cost.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships across the supply chain.
• Ensure purchasing activities align with project schedules and installation timelines.
• Manage supply chain challenges and identify solutions to minimise programme disruption.
• Keep informed of market conditions and sourcing opportunities to drive cost savings.

Commercial & Project Support

• Assist operational teams during the handover of successful tenders into live projects.
• Monitor procurement expenditure against approved budgets and estimated costs.
• Highlight potential cost increases, variations, and commercial risks.
• Support the production of cost reports, cashflow forecasts, and commercial updates.
• Help improve estimating and procurement processes through continuous review and innovation.

Experience & Qualifications

Essential Requirements

• At least 5 years' experience within shopfitting, fit-out, joinery, or interior construction estimating.
• Strong knowledge of shopfitting products, manufacturing techniques, and installation practices.
• Previous procurement and supply chain management experience.
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and project specifications.
• Excellent commercial awareness and numerical capability.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Competent user of Microsoft Excel and estimating software packages.
• Proven ability to manage several tenders and procurement activities simultaneously.
• Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.

Desirable Requirements

• Experience procuring bespoke joinery, metalwork, or specialist fit-out packages.
• Exposure to retail, hospitality, leisure, or commercial interiors sectors.
• Knowledge and experience of SAP systems.
• HNC, HND, Degree, or equivalent construction-related qualification.
• Understanding of construction contracts and procurement methodologies.

Personal Qualities

• Commercially minded with a focus on achieving results.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to problem-solving.
• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a wider team.
• Excellent planning and prioritization skills.
• Able to perform effectively under pressure and meet strict submission deadlines.
• Professional, customer-focused, and relationship-driven.

Performance Measures

Success within the role will be assessed against:

• Accuracy and profitability of submitted tenders.
• Tender conversion and win rates.
• Procurement savings achieved across projects.
• Supplier performance, quality standards, and on-time delivery.
• Adherence to project budgets.
• Quality and accuracy of project handovers.
• Effective mitigation of procurement and supply chain risks.

Salary & Benefits

Up to £60,000 per annumdependent upon experience, together with a comprehensive benefits package and performance-related bonus scheme.