Estimator

GVR Building Services; Maidstone; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

GVR Solutions is a Kent-based joinery and interior fit-out contractor seeking an experienced Estimator to strengthen its pre-construction and commercial team. The role focuses on pricing joinery and fit-out packages from drawings and specifications, taking off quantities and preparing detailed pricing breakdowns.

You will obtain and analyse supplier and subcontractor quotations, prepare Bills of Quantities, and contribute to value engineering while maintaining healthy margins.

Qualifications

• Experience in tendering and cost estimation for joinery, fit-out or interiors projects.
• Strong numerical ability and attention to detail with good commercial awareness.
• Proficient in Excel and estimating software; able to manage multiple tenders.

Responsibilities

• Review tender enquiries, drawings and specs to prepare accurate cost estimates.
• Take off quantities from drawings and specs; prepare pricing breakdowns.
• Obtain supplier/subcontractor quotations and analyse for competitiveness.
• Prepare bills of quantities and provide value engineering input where appropriate.
• Liaise with suppliers, subcontractors and clients to clarify tender requirements and deadlines.
• Attend tender meetings and site visits as required and support handover of secured projects.

Skills

Tendering

Cost estimation

Take-off quantities

Negotiation

Attention to detail

Communication

Organisational skills

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

GVR Solutions are working with a well-established and highly regarded specialist joinery and fit-out contractor, based in Kent, delivering high-quality bespoke joinery and interior fit-out packages across the commercial, hospitality, residential, retail and high-end sectors.

With an excellent reputation for quality and a strong pipeline of upcoming projects, they are looking to appoint an experienced Estimator to strengthen their pre-construction and commercial team.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with a background in joinery, interiors or specialist fit-out to join a successful business and play a key role in securing new work.

Key Responsibilities Of The Estimator Will Include

• Reviewing tender enquiries, drawings, specifications and project documentation.
• Preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for joinery and fit-out projects.
• Taking off quantities from drawings and specifications.
• Obtaining and analysing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Preparing bills of quantities and detailed pricing breakdowns.
• Identifying key project risks, exclusions and commercial opportunities.
• Liaising with suppliers, subcontractors, clients and main contractors to clarify tender requirements.
• Preparing competitive tender submissions within required deadlines.
• Carrying out value engineering exercises where appropriate.
• Comparing supplier and subcontractor quotations and negotiating pricing.
• Maintaining an up-to-date database of costs, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Attending tender meetings and site visits where required.
• Working alongside the commercial and project teams to ensure a smooth handover of secured projects.
• Supporting the business with pricing strategies and maintaining healthy margins.

The Estimator Must Have/be

• Proven experience working as an Estimator within joinery, fit-out, interiors or a specialist subcontracting environment.
• Strong knowledge of bespoke joinery and/or interior fit-out packages.
• Experience pricing projects from drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Strong understanding of materials, labour, plant and subcontractor costs.
• Excellent attention to detail and strong numerical ability.
• Good commercial awareness and an understanding of project margins and risk.
• Experience obtaining and negotiating supplier/subcontractor quotations.
• The ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating/take-off software.
• A proactive approach with the ability to work independently as well as as part of a wider team.