Senior Estimator

ZipRecruiter; Milton Keynes; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading company in the construction sector is seeking a Senior Estimator based in Milton Keynes. The role involves evaluating land acquisition costs and producing detailed forecasts for new projects. This is an opportunity to work in a hybrid environment while closely collaborating with technical teams to enhance cost-effectiveness and strategy.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in land viabilities/appraisals and cost estimating is required.
• Knowledge of construction techniques and building regulations is essential.
• Strong experience with tackling challenging ground conditions.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for evaluating and estimating costs of land acquisition and construction.
• Collaborate with internal teams for accurate pricing and financial summaries.
• Prepare detailed financial appraisals for new land bids.

Skills

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Communication skills

Stakeholder management

Education

Relevant qualification in cost estimating

Experience in land viabilities/appraisals

Tools

Bluebeam

COINS

Job description

Job Description

Senior Estimating Opportunity

Groundworks/ Civil Engineering/ Housebuilding Background Desirable

Northampton/ Milton Keynes- Hybrid working available

The Regional Estimator is responsible for the land viability/appraisal up to land purchase, prior to the handover to the Quantity Surveying and Buying teams. Reporting regionally, they will work closely with the Technical, Land and Commercial teams to provide accurate estimates to the Land and Planning department to assist in secure Land/Business opportunities as well as to maximise the cost effectiveness of developments.

Main responsibilities

• Responsible for evaluating and accurately estimating the costs of land acquisition, including purchase price, legal fees, site preparation, environmental factors, land topography and site conditions and other related expenses to assess cost feasibility or complexities and to advise on quantum of risk and suitable regional Land strategies in collaboration with the Central Pre-Development team.
• Prepare accurate viability estimates of all construction costs with a full breakdown.
• Keep up to date on local regulations to ensure accurate pricing and cost estimation whilst analysing comparable land sales and development projects to gather data on market conditions and land value.
• Visit proposed sites to establish site constraints etc, that may affect pricing strategy.
• Collaborate with the Regional Technical team, central Pre-Development Land and Technical team explore and present innovative construction techniques to reduce cost and value engineer design solutions to enhance cost effectiveness.
• Deliver detailed financial appraisals for new land bids and undertake cost and risk analysis for new sites.
• Coordinate with the finance team to ensure land cost estimates align with overall project budgets and financial forecasts.
• Prepare detailed cost estimation reports for the Regional Commercial Director, including all costs associated with land acquisition and development, presenting findings and offering insights and recommendations to aid in the decision-making.
• Whilst reporting regionally, closely assist Commercial and Land Directors in the preparation of Gateway submissions which will include drafting of Regional Land Reports.
• Maintain the database of standard cost allowance to ensure cost assumptions are current. Also maintain accurate records of all land-related estimates and cost projections for future reference, audits, or project evaluations.

Required skills and qualifications

• A relevant qualification or extensive experience in land viabilities/appraisals, cost estimating, Commercial or Groundworks experience within the residential homebuilding industry.
• Experience with a computerised estimating/measurement system e.g. Bluebeam or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience of using COINS beneficial but not essential
• Strong experience of challenging ground conditions and technical solutions (remediation, foundations, retaining, drainage etc)
• Broad legal knowledge and Financial/Commercial awareness.
• A detailed knowledge of construction techniques and building regulations.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for interpreting data from surveys, contours and plans.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with internal teams, contractors and external vendors.
• Good stakeholder management, with resilience and maturity to balance multiple priorities within a fast-changing and demanding environment.

If you feel like you have the relevant experience, please apply within!