Estimator (Facades)

Decron Ltd; Preston; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car/allowance

5% employer pension

33 days leave incl. BH

CPD budget

Phone & laptop

Job summary

Decron Ltd is seeking an experienced Estimator (Facades) to produce accurate, competitive tender submissions for rainscreen cladding and facade refurbishment projects across commercial and public sector work.

You will analyse drawings and surveys to build robust cost plans, liaise with suppliers, and develop valuations and final accounts with the Estimating Manager and QS to ensure consistent pricing across the commercial team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years as an Estimator in rainscreen/cladding/facade sectors.
• Experience pricing refurbishment and overcladding projects, incl. occupied buildings.
• Strong knowledge of rainscreen facade systems and proprietary products (e.g. Kingspan, Trespa, Equitone, Rockpanel).

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates and tender submissions for rainscreen cladding and facade refurbishment contracts.
• Analyse drawings, specs and surveys to determine quantities, labour, and build-up costs.
• Price a range of rainscreen systems (ventilated cladding, overcladding, curtain wall).
• Evaluate tenders for risk, buildability and programme constraints; propose value engineering.
• Liaise with manufacturers, suppliers, and subcontractors for pricing.
• Prepare Bills of Quantities and cost breakdowns for bids.
• Conduct pre-tender surveys of facades to identify scope and refurbishment requirements.

Skills

Estimator experience

Rainscreen facade knowledge

Drawings interpretation

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Communication skills

UK driving licence

Education

HNC/HND or degree in QS/Construction Management

Tools

AutoCAD

Job description

ROLE PURPOSE

Decron is a specialist roofing, cladding, rainscreen and fire remediation contractor, and demand for rainscreen cladding systems and facade refurbishment continues to grow across the business. The Estimator (Facades) is a key role within the Commercial team, responsible for producing accurate, competitive tender submissions for rainscreen cladding and facade refurbishment projects across a range of commercial and public sector work.

Reporting to the Estimating Manager, the successful candidate will have a thorough understanding of rainscreen facade systems, including ventilated cladding, overcladding and proprietary systems, and will be comfortable working from surveys, drawings and specifications to produce robust cost plans and tender bids.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Estimating & Tendering

• Prepare accurate, competitive cost estimates and tender submissions for rainscreen cladding and facade refurbishment contracts.
• Analyse project drawings, specifications and survey information to determine material quantities, labour requirements and build-up costs.
• Assess and price a range of rainscreen systems including ventilated cladding, overcladding, curtain wall and composite panel systems.
• Evaluate tender documents for risk, programme constraints and buildability, proposing value engineering alternatives where appropriate.
• Liaise with system manufacturers, suppliers and subcontractors to obtain competitive and accurate pricing.
• Prepare detailed Bills of Quantities and cost breakdowns in support of tender bids.

Surveys & Site Work

• Conduct pre-tender and pre-contract surveys of existing facades to identify condition, substrate, fixings and refurbishment scope.
• Identify latent defects, fire safety considerations (including non-ACM cladding compliance) and any remediation requirements that affect cost.
• Attend site visits and design team meetings to support the development of refurbishment proposals.
• Liaise with clients, architects and structural engineers to clarify design intent and resolve specification queries.

Commercial & Project Support

• Monitor project budgets and track expenditure against estimates during the construction phase.
• Prepare and agree contract valuations, variations and final accounts.
• Support project managers with procurement, programme management and cost reporting.
• Prepare management reports on tender pipeline, success rates and margin performance.
• Stay current with industry developments in facade systems, fire safety legislation & relevant British Standards.
• Work closely with the Estimating Manager, Estimator (Metal & Flat Roofing) and Quantity Surveyor to ensure consistency of approach and pricing across the Commercial team.
• Support a smooth and accurate handover of won projects from Estimating to the Operations & Contracts Director and site delivery teams.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Proven experience (minimum 5 years) as an Estimator within the rainscreen cladding, facade, or specialist envelope sector.
• Demonstrable experience pricing refurbishment and overcladding projects, including occupied buildings.
• Strong knowledge of rainscreen facade systems, ventilated cladding systems and proprietary facade products (e.g. Kingspan, Trespa, Equitone, Rockpanel, SFS, Brick Slip, Terracotta, Aluminium Cassette).
• Knowledge of SFS (Structural Framing Systems such as King-frame, Metsec etc.).
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and structural drawings, specifications and survey reports.
• Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite (Excel in particular).
• Excellent commercial acumen with strong attention to detail and mathematical skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously and meet submission deadlines.
• Strong communication and negotiation skills when dealing with clients, consultants and supply chain.
• Full UK driving licence.

Desirable

• Experience with post-Grenfell fire safety remediation projects and knowledge of EWS1 assessment processes.
• Efficient in AutoCAD design.
• Familiarity with the Building Safety Act 2022 and its implications for higher-risk buildings.
• HNC/HND or degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• MRICS, MCIOB, or membership of a relevant professional body.
• Experience working with Social Housing providers, Local Authorities or NHS Estates on refurbishment frameworks.

PACKAGE & BENEFITS

Salary

£50,000 – £60,000 per annum depending on experience

Bonus

Company performance-related bonus scheme

Company Vehicle

Company car or allowance

Pension

Company pension contribution (5% employer)

Holidays

33 days annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays)

Other Benefits

Phone & laptop, fuel card, professional membership support, CPD budget

• Further details of the full benefits package will be confirmed at offer stage.