Estimator - Pre-Construction (Main Contractor)

Building Careers UK Ltd; Penwortham; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent benefits package

Competitive salary

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd is seeking an experienced Estimator for a Preston, Lancashire based role with a well-established regional main contractor. The successful candidate will price and prepare estimates across education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, residential, and leisure sectors, reviewing drawings and tender documents, and collaborating with pre-construction and operations teams.

Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, with opportunities for long-term progression

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator within a Main Contractor environment.
• Experience pricing projects across sectors such as education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, residential, or public sector developments.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement, and estimating principles.
• Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.
• Experience interpreting architectural and construction drawings.
• Strong negotiation and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and work effectively to tight deadlines.
• A proactive, organised, and commercially driven approach.
• Relevant construction, estimating, or quantity surveying qualifications would be advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Preparing accurate and competitive estimates for a wide range of construction projects
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation
• Producing detailed take-offs, cost plans, and pricing schedules
• Obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Identifying value engineering opportunities to maximise project value
• Assessing commercial and technical risks during the tender process
• Preparing comprehensive tender submissions within agreed timescales
• Working closely with pre-construction, commercial, and operational teams
• Attending client meetings, tender interviews, and pre-start meetings where required
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers
• Supporting the business in securing new projects across a variety of construction sectors

Skills

Estimator experience

Pricing experience

Drawings interpretation

Negotiation skills

Tender management

Commercial awareness

Construction knowledge

Communication skills

Organised & proactive

QS qualifications advantageous

Education

Quantity surveying qualifications

Job description

Building Careers UK Ltd is seeking an experienced Estimator for a Preston, Lancashire based role with a well-established regional main contractor. The successful candidate will price and prepare estimates across education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, residential, and leisure sectors, reviewing drawings and tender documents, and collaborating with pre-construction and operations teams.

Competitive salary and excellent benefits are offered, with opportunities for long-term progression