Estimator

Building Careers UK Ltd; Penwortham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Competitive salary

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd is seeking an experienced Estimator for a Preston, Lancashire based role with a well-established regional main contractor. The successful candidate will price and prepare estimates across education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, residential, and leisure sectors, reviewing drawings and tender documents, and collaborating with pre-construction and operations teams.

Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, with opportunities for long-term progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator within a Main Contractor environment.
• Experience pricing projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, residential, or public sector developments.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement, and estimating principles.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Experience interpreting architectural and construction drawings.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and work effectively to tight deadlines.
• A proactive, organised, and commercially driven approach.
• Relevant construction, estimating, or quantity surveying qualifications would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accurate and competitive estimates for a wide range of construction projects
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation
• Producing detailed take-offs, cost plans, and pricing schedules
• Obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Identifying value engineering opportunities to maximise project value
• Assessing commercial and technical risks during the tender process
• Preparing comprehensive tender submissions within agreed timescales
• Working closely with pre-construction, commercial, and operational teams
• Attending client meetings, tender interviews, and pre-start meetings where required
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Supporting the business in securing new projects across a variety of construction sectors

Skills

Estimator experience

Pricing experience

Drawings interpretation

Negotiation skills

Tender management

Commercial awareness

Construction knowledge

Communication skills

Organised & proactive

QS qualifications advantageous

Education

Quantity surveying qualifications

Job description

Estimator - Main Contractor

Location - Preston, Lancashire

Salary/Package - 55,000 - 65,000 + Excellent Benefits Package

About the Company

Our client is a long-established and highly respected regional construction contractor with a proud history spanning more than a century. Delivering projects across the North West, they specialise in new build, refurbishment, maintenance, electrical, and joinery services, working across sectors including education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, retail, residential, and leisure.

Built on a reputation for quality, integrity, and long-term client relationships, the business has secured an impressive portfolio of repeat work through framework agreements and strategic partnerships. Their collaborative approach, financial stability, and commitment to delivering projects safely, on time, and within budget make them one of the region's most trusted construction partners. As part of their continued growth, they are now seeking an experienced Estimator to join their pre-construction team.

The Role

As Estimator, you will be responsible for:

• Preparing accurate and competitive estimates for a wide range of construction projects

• Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation

• Producing detailed take-offs, cost plans, and pricing schedules

• Obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations

• Identifying value engineering opportunities to maximise project value

• Assessing commercial and technical risks during the tender process

• Preparing comprehensive tender submissions within agreed timescales

• Working closely with pre-construction, commercial, and operational teams

• Attending client meetings, tender interviews, and pre-start meetings where required

• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers

• Supporting the business in securing new projects across a variety of construction sectors

The Ideal Candidate

The successful Estimator will have:

• Proven experience as an Estimator within a Main Contractor environment

• Experience pricing projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, residential, or public sector developments

• Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement, and estimating principles

• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills

• Experience interpreting architectural and construction drawings

• Strong negotiation and communication skills

• The ability to manage multiple tenders and work effectively to tight deadlines

• A proactive, organised, and commercially driven approach

• Relevant construction, estimating, or quantity surveying qualifications would be advantageous

What's on Offer

• Competitive basic salary of 55,000 - 65,000

• Attractive benefits package

• Opportunity to join a well-established and financially secure regional main contractor

• Exposure to a diverse portfolio of high-quality construction projects

• Long-term career progression within a growing pre‑construction team

• Ongoing professional development and career advancement opportunities

• Collaborative and supportive working environment

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.