Estimator (Housing Maintenance)

VanRath; Belfast; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable Property Services Contractor in Northern Ireland is seeking an Estimator to lead in preparing accurate cost estimates for tenders and live projects. The ideal candidate should possess a relevant qualification in Construction, experience in estimating functions, and strong analytical skills. This role offers a competitive rate, benefits, and opportunities for professional growth within a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Employee Perks & Discounts

Life Assurance

Health & wellbeing programme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Long service awards

Learning & development opportunities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in estimating and pricing functions in construction.
• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Strong commercial attitude and excellent communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist in preparation of tender submissions ensuring accurate cost estimates.
• Perform material and labour quantity take-offs from drawings.
• Develop cost estimates by gathering data on materials and labour.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Ability to work on own initiative

Ability to work under pressure

Excellent attention to detail

Strong planning and organization skills

Knowledge of Microsoft Office

Education

Relevant qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or Estimating

Job description

• Job Reference: RAE120126
• Job Title: Estimator (Housing Maintenance)
• Rate: £Negotiable DOE + excellent benefits package
• Location: Mallusk, پھNorthern Ireland

Estimator

Are you looking for an Estimator role? Interested in working for a leading Social Housing and Property Services Contractor? VANRATH are recruiting an Estimator to work for a well‑respected Contractor based in Mallusk, Northern Ireland.

Remuneration: £Negotiable DOE + excellent benefits package

Package Includes

• Employee Perks & Discounts
• Life Assurance
• Industry leading health & wellbeing programme
• Healthcare Cash Plan
• Long service awards
• Great opportunities for learning & development

Client

Our client is a well‑respected Property Services Contractor that has been operating for approximately 50 years. They specialise in property alterations and modifications, damage restoration and maintenance projects, working with Social and Private Housing clients, Property Management Companies, Care Homes, Schools, Councils and Commercial Buildings.

Overview of Role

The Estimator will take the lead on estimating, supporting the commercial and operational teams by preparing accurate cost estimates for both tenders and live projects. The role involves developing competitive bids, ensuring pricing accuracy, analysing project costs to support financial control, and working closely with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal vachark. The Estimator will identify cost‑saving opportunities, mitigate risks and maintain robust cost data, requiring strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work within tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Bid Estimation Responsibilities

• Tender Preparation: Assist in the preparation of tender submissions, ensuring accurate cost estimates and compliance with bid requirements.
• Quantity Take‑offs: Perform material and labour quantity take‑offs from drawings, specifications, and site visits.
• Pricing & Cost Analysis: Develop cost estimates by gathering data on materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractors.
• Supplier & Subcontractor Enquiries: Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors for competitive pricing.
• Risk Assessment: Identify and assess potential project risks and incorporate contingency allowances where necessary.
• Bid Documentation: Assiste in compiling bid submissions, including pricing summaries, methodology statements, and commercial documentation.
• Value Engineering: Identify cost‑saving opportunities and alternative solutions to improve bid competitiveness.

Live Project Estimating Responsibilities

• Cost Control: Prepare and monitorCARD project costs against initial estimates and budgets, identifying variances and potential cost‑saving measures.
• Re‑measurements & Variations: Conduct re‑measurements and assist in the preparation of variations and change orders.
• Subcontractor & Supplier Costing: Review and negotiate subcontractor and supplier costs for ongoing projects.
• Progress Evaluations: Support project médecin managers in tracking work progress and assessing cost implications.
• Data Management: Maintain an up‑to‑date database of historical costs, rates, and benchmarking data for future estimates.
• Reporting & Forecasting: Assist in preparing cost reports, forecasting final project costs and identifying commercial risks.
• Build and maintain strong client and supply‑kaj chain relationships.

General Duties

• Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, procurement, and operations teams to ensure cost accuracy and project profitability.
• Industry Research: Keep up to date with market trends, material costs, and industry best practices.
• Process Improvement: Support the development and improvement of estimating processes and tools.
• Compliance: Ensure all estimating activities align with company policies, contract requirements, and regulatory standards.

The Ideal Person

Essential Criteria

• Relevant qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience leading estimating and pricing functions in construction, facilities management, or a related industry.
• 3+ years’ experience in a similar role.
• Estimating and Tender bid preparation experience.
• Commercially and operationally aware in delivery of works.
• Strong commercial attitude and excellent communication skills.
• Knowledge and understanding of sub‑contractor management.
• Experience operating within a fast‑paced construction industry.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of NEC suite of contracts.
• Experience of Public sector and housing contracts.

Skills / Competencies

• Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage client relationships.
• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
• Ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.
• Enthusiastic and result‑driven with excellent attention to detail.
• Strong planning and organisation skills with good problem‑solving skills.
• IT literate with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Built Environment job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Robert Apps for a confidential discussion.

"I would highly recommend VANRATH who I found to be thoroughly helpful, informative and efficient from first point of contact. Within a week of sending my CV I had interviewed and received an offer for a new role."

"Very pleased with the service provided and extremely appreciative to VANRATH, who I'd highly recommend."

"VANRATH was very helpful in assisting me in obtaining my new employment post. They made care to stay in touch, inform me of any updates and gave meSubviews interview advice. Thank you for all your assistance; I wouldn't think twice about using VANRATH again. Outstanding service."