Senior Estimator

Rogers McHugh Recruitment; England; Hybrid; GBP 69,000 - 79,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading national housebuilder in the Norwich area is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their commercial team. This hybrid role, with 3 days in the office and 2 days from home, offers a competitive salary of £69,000 - £79,000 plus a car allowance, bonus scheme, and comprehensive benefits. The Senior Estimator will prepare cost plans and tender submissions for high-volume residential developments, engage with various teams, and ensure cost certainty during pre-construction stages. Candidates need proven experience in estimating within the construction sector, particularly in volume housebuilding.

Benefits

Car or Car Allowance

Bonus Scheme

Comprehensive benefits package

Opportunity to work on major developments

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator, Senior Estimator or Cost Planner.
• Experience in volume housebuilding or large scale projects.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost plans and tender pricing for new developments.
• Analyse drawings and specifications to determine budgeted costs.
• Engage with internal departments to support cost-led design decisions.
• Participate in pre-construction design meetings.

Skills

Volume housebuilding

New build residential construction

Groundworks

Construction regulations knowledge

Estimating software proficiency

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

Senior Estimator - Volume Housebuilding

Location: Norwich Area (Hybrid: 3 days office / 2 days home optional)

Salary: £69,000 - £79,000 + Car/Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits

About the Company

Our client is a leading National housebuilder recognised for delivering large-scale, high-quality residential developments across the UK. Due to continued growth in the Eastern region, they are now seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their commercial team and support major new build schemes of up to 1,000 units.

Role Overview

As Senior Estimator, you will play a key role in establishing accurate, robust cost plans and tender submissions for high-volume residential developments. You will work closely with land, technical, commercial and operational teams to ensure cost certainty during pre-construction and early design stages. This position is best suited to an experienced estimator with a strong understanding of new build housing, civils, groundworks or PQS cost planning.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost plans, feasibility estimates and tender pricing for new developments up to 1,000 units.
• Produce accurate land appraisals, providing cost advice during acquisition stages.
• Analyse construction drawings, specifications and technical information to determine budgeted costs.
• Engage with internal departments—land, technical, commercial, build—to support value engineering and cost-led design decisions.
• Assess subcontractor quotations, market rates and benchmark data to ensure cost accuracy.
• Prepare risk assessments, cost reports and cashflow forecasts where required.
• Participate in pre-construction design meetings and contribute to build strategy decisions.
• Support junior estimators and contribute to continuous improvement within the estimating function.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of industry costs, procurement trends and construction methods.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as an Estimator, Senior Estimator or Cost Planner within:
  • Volume housebuilding (preferred)
  • New build residential construction
  • Groundworks/Civils contractors
  • PQS / consultancy cost planning roles
• Strong knowledge of UK building regulations, construction methods and residential groundworks.
• Experience with large-scale schemes (hundreds of units) — ideally up to 1,000 units.
• Proficient in estimating software and Excel-based cost modelling.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Ability to work autonomously and manage multiple estimating tasks and deadlines.

Package & Benefits

• Salary: £69,000 - £79,000
• Car or Car Allowance
• Bonus Scheme
• Hybrid working: 3 days in office / 2 days from home (optional)
• Comprehensive benefits package
• Opportunity to work on major flagship developments with a respected national housebuilder