Estimator

Cardo Group; Warrenpoint; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday

Bank holidays

Life Assurance cover

Wellbeing Resources and Counselling

Retail & Lifestyle Discount Platform

Enhanced Family Leave Provisions

Recognition initiatives and awards

Occupational Sick Pay

Job summary

Cardo Group is recruiting an experienced Estimator to prepare accurate cost estimates and bid submissions for planned maintenance, refurbishment, retrofit and regeneration projects in the social housing sector. You will work with operations, commercial and procurement to analyze requirements, costs and pricing strategies that balance profitability and client needs.

Join a growing UK provider of maintenance and retrofit services, with a focus on energy efficiency upgrades, compliance works, and

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience as an estimator in repairs, maintenance or retrofit environments.
• Familiarity with public sector contracts and frameworks (social housing, councils, schools, housing associations).
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen with ability to balance accuracy and deadlines.
• Experience with cost modelling for schedule-of-rates including PSA.

Responsibilities

• Prepare cost estimates for a range of projects including responsive and void repairs, energy efficiency retrofits.
• Take-offs from drawings, schedules of works, and site surveys.
• Obtain competitive quotes from subcontractors and suppliers.
• Attend site visits and pre-start meetings to understand scope and constraints.
• Collaborate with operations and commercial teams to align estimates with delivery programmes.
• Support bid documents and pricing schedules for tenders and direct awards.
• Maintain estimating records, cost databases, and feedback logs.

Skills

Estimator experience

Public sector contracts

Analytical skills

Commercial awareness

Bid management

Communication skills

Take-off from drawings

Education

HNC or degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

Cost databases

Job description

Who Are We:

Cardo Group is a trusted provider of building maintenance, refurbishment, and retrofit services for social housing and public sector buildings across the UK. With nationwide coverage and skilled local teams, we deliver a reliable end-to-end service that ensures homes and public spaces are safe, sustainable, and well-maintained.

We specialise in responsive repairs and voids, planned maintenance, energy-efficiency upgrades, compliance works, and major improvement programmes. Our approach combines quality workmanship, strong resident communication, and efficient project delivery to achieve the best outcomes for customers and communities.

Driven by ambitious growth plans, we continue to expand our capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our reputation is built on consistent service delivery, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As we grow, so do the opportunities – for our people, our clients, and the communities we support.

Cardo Group is becoming one of the UK’s most forward-thinking maintenance and retrofit providers. Do you want to be part of something great?

Role Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially aware Estimator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for planned maintenance, refurbishment, retrofit, repairs, and regeneration projects within the social housing sector. Working closely with operations, commercial, and procurement teams, the Estimator will assess project requirements, analyze costs, and develop competitive pricing strategies that support successful bid outcomes while ensuring profitability and compliance with client requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Prepare cost estimates for a range of projects, including, Responsive and void repairs, Energy efficiency retrofits (e.g. insulation, ventilation upgrades)
• Conduct detailed take-offs from drawings, schedules of works, and site surveys.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotes and build cost certainty.
• Attend site visits and pre-start meetings to understand scope and constraints
• Work closely with operational and commercial teams to align estimates with delivery programmes, resources, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the preparation of bid documents and pricing schedules for tenders, mini-competitions, and direct awards.
• Maintain estimating records, cost databases, and feedback logs to inform continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, programme efficiencies, and added value.
• Assist with post-tender clarifications and project handovers to ensure smooth mobilisation.
• Interpret ITT documents to identify risks, opportunities, and submission requirements.
• Lead the preparation and submission of tenders, ensuring compliance with internal processes.
• Present commercial proposals at key tender meetings and engage with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Collaborate with Operational and Commercial leads to develop innovative delivery solutions.
• Determine the most cost-effective proposals using labour analysis, subcontractor quotations, and delivery models.
• Populate client pricing documents accurately and on time.

You Will Need:

• Minimum of 2 year previous experience as an Estimator in repairs, maintenance, or retrofit environments.
• Familiarity with public sector contracts and frameworks (e.g. social housing, councils, schools, and housing associations).
• HNC or degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction, or related field.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance accuracy with deadlines.
• Experience with cost modelling for schedule-of-rates to include the PSA .
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple bids concurrently and prioritise workload effectively.
• Knowledge of the JCT and NEC suite of Contracts
• Ability to ‘take Off’ from design drawings, interpret specifications and prepare Bills of Quantities

We Will Provide:

• Excellent development and progression opportunities
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Range of Salary Sacrifice Schemes [holiday purchase, EV schemes, AVC Pension contributions]
• Life Assurance cover
• Wellbeing Resources and Counselling services
• Retail & Lifestyle Discount Platform
• Enhanced Family Leave Provisions
• Recognition initiatives and awards
• Occupational Sick Pay

Why Join Cardo Group?

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is rooted in our core values:

Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and achieve more together.

Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in everything we do.

Excellence – We set high standards and deliver quality for our people and our customers.

Respect – We value every individual and create a space where all voices are heard.

We ensure fair opportunities, embrace diverse backgrounds and experiences, and foster a culture where everyone truly belongs. Join us on our ambitious, exciting, and inclusive journey.