Estimator - Construction

Henley Chase; Guildford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable construction firm in Guildford is seeking an Estimator to coordinate estimating resources and produce competitive bids. The ideal candidate will have 3-5 years of experience in estimating or surveying, with a strong understanding of the construction industry and analytical estimating skills. A degree in Building Studies or a related discipline is required, along with familiarity with ConQuest software. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to exciting projects and support the transition to construction teams.

Qualifications

• 3-5 years' experience in a similar estimating or surveying role.
• Strong commercial understanding of the construction industry.
• Good knowledge of measurement and first-principles pricing.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate estimating resources with the Pre-Construction Manager.
• Prepare competitive bids considering project risks.
• Evaluate enquiry documentation and advise on winning strategies.

Skills

Analytical estimating

Negotiation

Construction methods knowledge

Project management

Education

Degree or HNC in Building Studies or related discipline

MCIOB or MRICS

Tools

ConQuest estimating software

Microsoft Office

Job description

Overall Purpose

To coordinate estimating resources in conjunction with the Pre-Construction Manager, while personally preparing and producing competitive bids that take full account of project risks and customer requirements.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership

• Promote company values and culture both internally and externally
• Coordinate with project delivery teams to align pricing with work-winning supply chains
• Promote continuous improvement and the profitable development of the business

Initial Enquiry & Tender Strategy

• Evaluate enquiry documentation and advise the Pre-Construction Manager on the suitability of opportunities and winning tender strategy
• Check tender documentation and confirm receipt in conjunction with the Bid / Pre-Construction Manager
• Select, coordinate, and manage subcontractors and suppliers
• Identify and procure Bills of Quantities and specialist tender support where required

Production of the Estimate

• Visit site to gain a full understanding of the proposed works and develop strong relationships with clients and consultants
• Support the bid team in understanding tender requirements and producing a well-considered, competitive offer
• Contribute to bid validation documentation in line with company procedures
• Attend and contribute to all key tender meetings
• Identify alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities
• Clarify discrepancies and tender anomalies with consultants
• Review tender risks and ensure appropriate clarifications are included within submissions
• Review design information and subcontractor pricing to ensure clearly defined work packages
• Create or import Bills of Quantities or schedules of work into ConQuest
• Produce analytical pricing from subcontractor and supplier quotations and input into ConQuest
• Prepare and coordinate tender information for adjudication, including:
  • Site visit reports
  • Tender analysis and adjudication sheets
  • Preliminary cost breakdowns
  • Subcontractor comparisons
  • Bid clarifications
• Attend and contribute to final settlement meetings

Creating Compelling Offers & Proposals

• Understand client objectives and ensure a bid-winning strategy is adopted
• Review all tender submissions for completeness and accuracy, including computational checks of tender summaries

Securing the Order

• Support post-tender negotiations alongside the Bid / Pre-Construction Manager
• Attend post-tender interviews and meetings where appropriate
• Obtain tender feedback and competitor comparisons, sharing lessons learned with the wider team

Post-Tender Handover

• Attend or lead post-tender handover meetings to ensure a smooth transition to the construction team
• Assemble and hand over all tender documentation in a clear and structured manner
• Explain tender rationale to the project team and secure full project buy-in

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC in Building Studies or a related discipline
• MCIOB or MRICS desirable
• Demonstrable commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)

Experience

• 3-5 years' experience in a similar estimating or surveying role
• Strong commercial understanding of the construction industry, market rates, and competitors
• Good knowledge of analytical estimating, measurement, and first-principles pricing
• Detailed understanding of traditional and alternative construction methods, including design management
• Experience with alternative procurement routes, including frameworks, two-stage, and design & build
• Strong working knowledge of ConQuest estimating software and Microsoft Office packages
• Proven negotiation experience

Personal Attributes

• Alignment with company values of being Friendly, Efficient, and Committed