Estimator / Senior Estimator

Think Recruitment; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Chester-Le-Street is seeking an experienced Estimator/Senior Estimator to manage the pricing and tendering process for various projects. The ideal candidate should have over 5 years of experience in construction estimating, strong communication skills, and a solid understanding of modern construction methods. This role offers a salary of up to £75,000, private healthcare, a company car, and career development opportunities.

Benefits

Company Car / Allowance

Private Healthcare

Discretionary Bonuses

Pension Scheme

33 Days Annual Leave

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a construction estimating role.
• Experience across both refurbishment and new build projects.
• Solid understanding of modern construction methods.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate competitive tenders.
• Manage pricing strategies and risk registers.
• Mentor the Assistant Estimator.

Skills

Construction estimating

Communication

Teamwork

Commercial acumen

Education

HNC / HND or Degree in a construction-related field

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Job Title: Estimator / Senior Estimator
Location: Chester-Le-Street
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, fast-growing construction contractor delivering both minor works (up to 2M) and major works (up to 15M) across a broad range of sectors including education, leisure, and commercial. With a 90M annual turnover and a growing pipeline of high-profile projects (including 2 ongoing 9M school refurbishments and 2 15M leisure centre redevelopments), they are known for consistent delivery, strong financial backing, and a supportive team culture.

The Durham office is a key regional hub with a collaborative, hands-on environment. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced estimator to join a business with real momentum and play a key role in shaping its future in the Northeast.

Role Overview

As Estimator / Senior Estimator, you will lead the pre-construction pricing and tendering process for a variety of refurbishment and new build projects, primarily within the 2M- 15M value range. You'll work closely with pre-construction and operational leads to develop winning tenders and oversee the commercial pipeline from initial enquiry through to submission.

You will also mentor and oversee an Assistant Estimator based in the Durham office, helping to build capability and consistency in the regional estimating function.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and coordinate competitive tenders across minor and major works divisions
• Manage and develop pricing strategies, risk registers, and tender programmes
• Interpret drawings, specifications, and employer's requirements
• Liaise with supply chain to obtain quotations and ensure robust cost coverage
• Value-engineer schemes in collaboration with design and operational teams
• Attend pre-tender meetings, post-tender negotiations, and handovers
• Support and mentor the Assistant Estimator on all aspects of project estimating
• Maintain accurate cost databases, tender files, and supplier contacts

What We're Looking For

• Minimum 5 years' experience in a construction estimating role (main contractor background preferred)
• Experience across both refurbishment and new build projects
• Solid understanding of modern construction methods and supply chains
• Proven ability to lead tenders independently
• Confident communicator and team player with strong commercial acumen
• Ideally HNC / HND or Degree qualified in a construction-related field
• Proficient in estimating software and Microsoft Excel
• Full UK driving licence

What's on Offer

• Salary: Up to 75,000 (DOE)
• Company Car / Allowance
• Private Healthcare
• Discretionary Bonuses
• Pension Scheme - increasing each year after 3 years' service
• 33 Days Annual Leave (including bank holidays) - increasing every 3 years
• Career development within a growing regional team
• The opportunity to lead pricing on nationally recognised projects

If you're an experienced estimator looking for a stable, progressive role within a business that values both quality and people, this could be the opportunity for you.