Estimator

UI Social Infrastructure Limited; Warrington; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

United Infrastructure in Dartford is seeking an experienced Estimator with a background in Social Housing to join our Social Infrastructure team. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the preparation of accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders that support the continued growth of our business, working closely with operational and commercial teams.

The role requires strong numerical and analytical skills, proficiency in interpreting drawings and tender docs, and experience with JCT/ACA

Qualifications

• 5+ years estimating experience in construction, ideally social housing.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender docs and produce take-offs.
• Knowledge of JCT and ACA contracts.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with commercial awareness.
• Experience with tender submissions and risk identification.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates from drawings and docs.
• Collaborate with operations, commercial and technical teams on tenders.
• Create detailed cost plans, tender build-ups and pricing schedules.
• Maintain relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Identify commercial risks and mitigations in tenders.
• Support handover from tender to project delivery.
• Monitor market conditions, labour costs and material costs to stay competitive.
• Contribute to continuous improvements in estimating processes and systems.
• Assist in securing new business with sound tender solutions.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Communication

Stakeholder management

Estimating software

Tendering

Cost management

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure – Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK’s largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.

Equal Opportunities Statement - At United Infrastructure, we are committed to making every interaction a positive and inclusive experience. If there is anything we can do to support you, remove barriers, or make the process more accessible, please let us know — we want this to be the best possible experience for you.

Location: Dartford, United Kingdom

Are you an experienced Estimator with a background in Social Housing looking to make a real impact? We're seeking a commercially minded and detail-focused professional to join our Social Infrastructure team. In this pivotal role, you'll lead the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially robust tenders that support the continued growth of our business. Working closely with operational and commercial teams, you'll identify opportunities, manage risks, and help secure projects that deliver lasting value to our clients and communities.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate and competitive cost estimates by analysing drawings, specifications, schedules, and tender documentation.
• Collaborate with operational, commercial, and technical teams to deliver high-quality tender submissions.
• Prepare detailed cost plans, tender build-ups, and pricing schedules within strict deadlines.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers to support future opportunities.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities within tender submissions and recommend mitigation strategies.
• Support the seamless transition from tender award to project delivery through effective handover processes.
• Monitor market conditions, labour rates, material costs, and industry trends to ensure pricing remains accurate and competitive.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance estimating processes, systems, and efficiencies.
• Assist in securing new business by providing commercially sound and technically accurate tender solutions.

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' estimating experience within the construction industry, with a strong preference for Social Housing experience.
• Proven ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documentation and produce accurate take-offs and Bills of Quantities.
• Good working knowledge of JCT and ACA forms of contract.
• Strong commercial awareness with excellent numerical and analytical skills.
• Experience using estimating software, or the ability to quickly learn new systems.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to present and justify tender submissions.
• Highly organised, with the ability to manage multiple tenders and work effectively under pressure.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Degree, HNC, HND, or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline desirable.

Join us at United Infrastructure and be part of our mission to deliver innovative and sustainable solutions to the complex infrastructure needs of the UK.