Senior Estimator

Construction; Ivy Chimneys; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Construction, a main contractor based in the UK, is seeking an experienced Estimator/Senior Estimator to lead pricing from enquiry to secured contract. You will shape early-stage costs, advise on procurement, and work with clients, designers and the delivery team to win and deliver buildable schemes.

You will collaborate with directors, the design and commercial teams and supply chain to influence projects pursued and won, including tenders for design and build, fit-out and refurbishment.

Qualifications

• Experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator in main contracting, fit-out or design-and-build.
• Hands-on pre-construction experience including cost planning and value engineering.
• Strong track record pricing fit-out or refurbishment projects, incl. high-end work.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications.
• Knowledge of construction methods, materials, programmes and procurement routes.
• Experience managing subcontractor and supplier pricing.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and tender submissions for multiple project types.
• Review drawings and tender docs; perform take-offs and cost plans.
• Price bespoke packages with internal and external teams.
• Source, issue and chase inquiries from subs/suppliers and compare returns.
• Identify risks and clarifications for clear tender submissions.
• Support pre-construction with budgets, feasibility pricing and cost plans.
• Lead procurement strategies and engage key subcontractors early.
• Attend client and design team meetings to present pricing.

Skills

Estimator experience

Pre-construction

High-end projects

Read drawings

Construction methods

Subcontractor pricing

Estimating software

Excel proficiency

Communication skills

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

About the Company

Our client is an established design and build main contractor based in Epping, Essex. The business manily delivers high-end residential, commercial, education and industrial schemes amongst others.

The Role

This is a combined estimating and pre-construction role. You will take projects from first enquiry through to a secured contract and a smooth handover to the delivery team. That means pricing tenders, shaping early-stage cost and procurement advice, and working with clients and designers to develop schemes that are buildable and on budget. You will work closely with directors, the design team, the commercial team and the supply chain, with real influence on which projects the business pursues and wins.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and tendering

• Prepare detailed estimates and tender submissions for design and build, fit-out, refurbishment and new-build projects
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documents, carrying out quantity take-offs and building up accurate cost plans
• Price bespoke joinery and furniture packages, working with in-house and external specialists
• Source, issue and chase subcontractor and supplier enquiries, then analyse and compare returns to secure competitive pricing
• Identify risks, assumptions, exclusions and clarifications and make sure they are clearly set out in submissions

Pre-construction

• Provide early-stage budgets, feasibility pricing and cost plans to clients and the design team
• Support design development, advising on buildability, programme, materials and cost implications
• Lead value engineering exercises and propose cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality
• Develop procurement strategies and packages, including early engagement of key subcontractors
• Prepare pre-construction programmes and outline construction methodology to support tenders
• Manage client and design team communication through the pre-construction stage, including cost reporting and updates
• Attend client meetings, design team meetings and tender interviews, presenting pricing and approach where required
• Assist with contract negotiation, and the review of contract terms and risk
• Hand over successful projects to the delivery team with a clear cost breakdown, procurement status and risk register

General

• Maintain and update cost databases, rates and benchmarking data
• Mentor and support junior estimators or assistants where applicable

Skills and Experience

Essential

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a main contractor, fit-out contractor or design and build contractor
• Hands-on pre-construction experience, including cost planning, feasibility pricing and value engineering
• Strong track record pricing fit-out, refurbishment or interior projects, ideally including high-end residential or commercial work
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and technical drawings and specifications
• Sound knowledge of construction methods, materials, programme and procurement routes
• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing subcontractor and supplier pricing
• Proficiency in estimating and take-off software, plus Microsoft Excel
• Excellent communication and organisational skills, with the ability to work to tight tender deadlines