Quantity Surveyor / Estimator

Novax Recruitment Ltd; York and North Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Paid annual leave

Free on-site parking

Permanent, full-time employment

UK-wide project exposure

Tender strategy involvement

Job summary

Novax Recruitment Ltd is seeking a skilled Estimator/Senior Estimator for structural steelwork based in North Yorkshire. You will lead tender preparation, review technical documentation, and collaborate with procurement, engineering and project teams to deliver competitive bids.

The role requires strong estimating experience, turnout in a fast-paced environment, and a focus on accuracy and value engineering. Office-based with potential to contribute to various turnkey projects across the UK.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience in structural steelwork or related engineering environments.
• Ability to review drawings, specs and bills of quantities to develop robust tenders.
• Strong numerical, analytical and commercial skills with attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for materials, labour, plant, fabrication, installation and subcontract packages.
• Review engineering drawings, specifications, and tender documentation.
• Complete material take-offs and pricing to support bids.
• Prepare quotations, tender submissions, and cost summaries.
• Manage multiple enquiries and tender deadlines to ensure on-time submissions.

Skills

Senior Estimator

Structural steelwork understanding

Tendering

Client communication

Numerical/analytical skills

Tools

Navisworks

Excel

SharePoint

Tender portals

Job description

Estimator / Senior Estimator - Structural Steelwork

Location: North Yorkshire

Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time

Working Arrangement: Office-Based

Turn Technical Expertise into Winning Tenders

Are you an experienced Estimator with a background in structural steelwork, fabrication or engineering? This is an opportunity to play a key role in securing new projects, developing competitive tenders and supporting the successful delivery of complex construction and engineering packages.

Working closely with engineering, procurement, fabrication and project delivery teams, you'll take ownership of the estimating process from initial enquiry and technical review through to tender submission, commercial negotiations and project handover.

Whether you're an established Senior Estimator or an experienced Estimator ready to take the next step, you'll have the opportunity to apply your technical knowledge and commercial judgement in a role where accuracy, collaboration and attention to detail make a real difference.

The Role

You'll prepare accurate, competitive and commercially robust estimates for structural steelwork and wider turnkey projects, ensuring tenders reflect the technical requirements, project risks and commercial opportunities involved.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Tender Preparation

• Prepare detailed cost estimates covering materials, labour, plant, fabrication, installation and subcontract packages.

• Review engineering and architectural drawings, specifications, bills of quantities, pricing schedules and other tender documentation.

• Complete material take-offs and quantity assessments to support accurate pricing.

• Prepare professional quotations, tender submissions, pricing schedules and supporting cost summaries.

• Manage multiple enquiries and tender deadlines, ensuring submissions are accurate and delivered on time.

Supplier & Subcontractor Management

• Issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors and evaluate quotations received.

• Compare costs, negotiate competitive pricing and identify opportunities to improve tender value.

• Work collaboratively with procurement, engineering, fabrication and project management teams to develop effective bids.

Commercial Risk & Client Liaison

• Identify commercial risks, opportunities, exclusions and qualifications within tender submissions.

• Consider value-engineering options and alternative approaches where appropriate.

• Support post-tender clarifications, client discussions and commercial negotiations.

• Assist project teams with the assessment and pricing of contract variations when required.

Project Handover & Record Management

• Prepare clear cost breakdowns and handover information for successful projects.

• Participate in internal project launch meetings to support a smooth transition from estimating to delivery.

• Maintain accurate tender records, pricing information, customer feedback and historical cost data.

• Keep enquiry documentation, registers and electronic project folders up to date.

• Handle commercially sensitive information securely and professionally.

Quality, Compliance & Prequalification

• Ensure estimating activities follow relevant quality management procedures.

• Coordinate client prequalification questionnaires and provide supporting information for industry accreditations.

• Liaise with health and safety, quality, accounts and other departments to gather information required for tenders.

• Contribute to project case studies and supporting documentation for future submissions.

About You

You'll have proven estimating experience within structural steelwork, steel fabrication, engineering or a closely related construction environment, together with the commercial awareness needed to develop accurate and competitive tenders.

You'll ideally bring:

• Experience as a Steelwork Estimator, Senior Estimator or in a similar estimating position.

• A strong understanding of structural steel fabrication and erection processes.

• Experience estimating fabrication packages and, ideally, turnkey projects.

• The ability to interpret engineering drawings, architectural information, specifications and technical documentation.

• Strong numerical, analytical and commercial skills, with excellent attention to detail.

• Experience obtaining, assessing and negotiating supplier and subcontractor quotations.

• The ability to manage competing priorities and multiple tender deadlines.

• Strong communication skills and confidence working with clients, suppliers and internal project teams.

• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook.

• Familiarity with SharePoint, tender portals and document exchange platforms.

• Experience using 3D model viewers and formats such as IFC or NWD, including software such as Navisworks.

Desirable Experience

It would be advantageous if you also have experience with:

• Major contractors, engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contractors or multidisciplinary design teams.

• Large-scale industrial, energy, petrochemical or waste-to-energy projects.

• Relevant UK construction standards and structural steelwork requirements.

• ISO 9001 quality management procedures.

• Client prequalification and accreditation submissions, including industry-recognised schemes.

• Previous experience in steel fabrication, engineering or construction project delivery.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary, dependent on experience.

• Permanent, full-time employment.

• Company pension.

• Paid annual leave.

• Free on-site parking.

• Involvement in a variety of structural steelwork and engineering projects across the UK.

• The opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to tender strategy, commercial performance and future project wins.

Ready for Your Next Opportunity?

If you understand structural steelwork estimating and enjoy combining technical detail with commercial decision-making, this could be an excellent next step.