Estimator

Allison Homes Limited; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discretionary Bonus Scheme

Car allowance

25 days holiday

Pension Scheme

Group Life Assurance

Job summary

Allison Homes Limited seeks an Estimator to oversee cost estimates for residential projects. This pivotal role ensures cost efficiency from initial planning to project completion, including procurement and budget management.

Ideal candidates will have at least three years in a similar role, great numeracy skills, and the ability to collaborate effectively with team members. The position comes with various perks such as a discretionary bonus, car allowance, and generous holiday allowance.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years’ experience in estimating or cost management in construction.
• Strong understanding of Building Regulations and NHBC codes.
• Ability to present financial data effectively.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates for residential developments.
• Assist in land appraisals and manage budget control.
• Collaborate with various departments on project cost efficiency.

Skills

Attention to detail

Cost management

Communication

Numeracy

IT skills

Job description

At Allison Homes, we pride ourselves on being an award‑winning private housebuilder dedicated to creating beautiful homes and communities across the East of England, the East Midlands and the South West of England.

Our mission is to provide affordable yet aspirational homes to our communities, ensuring that new homes are accessible and attainable for all with a quality product suitable for everyone.

We are proud of our people, and collaboration and teamwork are key to everything we do. Our values are at our heart and centre around Trust, Teamwork, Kindness and Passion.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to help us achieve our ambitious growth plans and goals, to be part of our journey and to grow their career along with our success.

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, as Estimator you will be responsible for estimating costs for residential developments, ensuring that projects are delivered on budget while meeting required standards and quality. Your role will span from the initial planning phase through to completion, involving the preparation of accurate cost estimates, budget control, and procurement of sub‑contractors. You will also assist in preparing tender documents, evaluating contractor bids, and managing cost fluctuations throughout the project lifecycle. You will provide valuable support to both the commercial and site teams, helping to ensure that projects are executed efficiently and cost‑effectively, while promoting value‑driven procurement practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in the preparation and review of land appraisals to support site acquisitions.
• Prepare and report on land appraisal budgets, including cost movements from initial land appraisals through to gaining planning consent.
• Collaborate with the Land, Technical, Sales and Production Departments to prepare site‑specific land appraisals, ensuring all work is in line with established costs, agreed programme, sales revenue and land bid timetables.
• Walk potential land acquisition sites to review, assess, and report on the risks and opportunities within each land bid.
• Proactively seek ways to deliver best value for money by considering new materials and methods of construction. Propose alternative approaches for non‑standard works as needed.
• Working closely with departmental Quantity Surveyors and Buyers as well as external stakeholders to establish and maintain a comprehensive cost library, including all elements related to prelims, site works, and land abnormalities.
• Provide timely reports on cost movements due to factors like inflation or planning requirements.
• Uphold and promote the company’s commitment to health and safety by adhering to all relevant health and safety policies, ensuring a safe working environment.
• Regularly prepare, analyse, and present reports on a monthly or quarterly basis, providing updates on budget status, risks, and opportunities.
• Attend management team and departmental meetings, including those held at various offsite locations.

What you will bring

• A minimum of three years’ experience in a similar estimating or cost management role, preferably within the construction or housebuilding industry.
• Highly numerate with exceptional attention to detail, particularly in compiling, interpreting, and presenting financial data.
• Strong understanding of all relevant codes of practice (Building Regulations, NHBC, Code for Sustainable Homes).
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, even in high‑pressure situations.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with external contractors and stakeholders.
• Organised, self‑motivated, and able to work autonomously or as part of a team.
• Ability to propose cost‑effective solutions and alternative approaches to construction methods, ensuring optimal budget control.
• Highly numerate with excellent attention to detail, able to compile, interpret and present data for the preparation of budgets and valuations.
• Articulate and calm under pressure.
• Strong IT skills, including working knowledge of computer systems within the commercial environment.
• The ability to embrace and role model our company values – Trust, Teamwork, Kindness and Passion.
• A full driving licence.

What you get in return

• Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Car allowance (with option to join the company salary sacrifice car scheme in Summer 2025).
• 25 days holiday (extending to 27 days holiday after two years of continuous service).
• Pension Scheme.
• Group Life Assurance.
• Group Income Protection Scheme.
• Smart Health Employee Assistance Programme.
• Opt in – Simply Health Cash Plan.