Estimator

Building Careers UK; Manchester; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Company car

Pension

Healthcare

Career progression

Job summary

Building Careers UK is recruiting an Estimator to join a dynamic pre-construction team for commercial and industrial general contracting projects in the North West. You will prepare detailed estimates from first principles, review tender docs, and manage the full tender process from enquiry to submission.

The successful candidate will have proven estimator experience in a main contractor environment, strong cost awareness, and proficiency with estimating software and Excel.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in an Estimator role within a main contractor environment.
• Strong background in commercial and/or industrial construction projects.
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and market rates.
• Ability to produce accurate and competitive tenders under tight deadlines.
• Strong analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and team-focused approach.

Responsibilities

• Preparing detailed cost estimates from first principles for commercial and industrial projects
• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, and specifications
• Managing the full tender process from enquiry through to submission
• Liaising with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations
• Analysing and comparing subcontractor returns to ensure best value
• Identifying risks, opportunities, and value engineering options within tenders
• Attending site visits and pre-tender meetings as required
• Working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure alignment
• Assisting in post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams
• Maintaining and developing strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors

Skills

Estimator experience

Main contractor

Analytical skills

Negotiation abilities

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Company

Our client is a well-established and growing main contractor with a strong footprint across the North West. They deliver a wide range of commercial and industrial projects, known for their quality, reliability, and long-standing client relationships. With a solid pipeline of secured work and continued growth, they are looking to strengthen their pre-construction team with an experienced Estimator.

The Role

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator to join a dynamic and collaborative pre-construction team. You will play a key role in the successful tendering of commercial and industrial general contracting projects, working closely with internal teams and external stakeholders to produce accurate, competitive, and commercially sound estimates.

As Estimator, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing detailed cost estimates from first principles for commercial and industrial projects
• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, and specifications
• Managing the full tender process from enquiry through to submission
• Liaising with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations
• Analysing and comparing subcontractor returns to ensure best value
• Identifying risks, opportunities, and value engineering options within tenders
• Attending site visits and pre-tender meetings as required
• Working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure alignment
• Assisting in post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams
• Maintaining and developing strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors

The successful Estimator will have:

• Proven experience in an Estimator role within a main contractor environment
• Strong background in commercial and/or industrial construction projects
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and market rates
• Ability to produce accurate and competitive tenders under tight deadlines
• Strong analytical and numerical skills
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Excel
• A proactive, detail-oriented, and team-focused approach

What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary of £55,000 – £85,000 depending on experience
• Attractive benefits package including car allowance/company car, pension, and healthcare
• Opportunity to work on a diverse range of commercial and industrial projects
• Strong pipeline of work offering stability and long-term career prospectsSupportive team environment with clear progression opportunities
• Exposure to high-quality projects with a reputable contractor

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Please Note:Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.