Senior Estimator

Unispace; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A global design firm is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their Preconstruction team in London. This key role involves developing detailed cost estimates for commercial projects and risk assessment during the pre-bid phase. Candidates should have over 5 years of estimating experience in the commercial sector, a relevant degree, and proficiency in estimation software. The position offers a competitive salary, benefits, and hybrid work flexibility.

Benefits

Pension

Paid holiday leave

Travel opportunities

Qualifications

• Minimum 5+ years in construction estimating.
• Experience in estimating for commercial projects.
• Strong understanding of UK building regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop detailed cost estimates for projects.
• Conduct feasibility studies and initial project budgets.
• Oversee the tender process and negotiate pricing.
• Identify cost risks and develop mitigation strategies.

Skills

Construction estimating

Market pricing

Value engineering

Risk assessment

Data analysis

Communication

Education

Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

CostX

Bluebeam

Job description

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.

We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.

While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Role Profile

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Senior Estimator to join our Preconstruction team in London. This role will be responsible for leading on aspects of cost estimation, with a particular focus on the Pre-Bid phase. Ideally you'll possess a solid understanding of construction process, market pricing, and value engineering, enabling the team to develop accurate and competitive estimates from conceptual design through to detailed tender. This role requires strong analytical abilities, exceptional communication skills, and a proactive approach to risk identification and mitigation.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

Responsibilities

• Pre-Construction Estimating: Develop detailed and accurate cost estimates from conceptual design to tender stage, often with limited information, for a diverse range of commercial interior fit-out and construction projects.
• Feasibility and Budgeting: Conduct feasibility studies and develop initial project budgets, providing critical financial insights to clients and internal teams during the early project stages.
• Value Engineering: Proactively identify and propose value engineering opportunities to optimize project costs without compromising design intent or quality.
• Risk Assessment: Identify potential cost risks and opportunities during the pre-construction phase, developing strategies for mitigation and contingency planning.
• Market Intelligence: Maintain up-to-date knowledge of current market conditions, material costs, labour rates, and subcontractor pricing in the London and wider UK construction market.
• Tender Management: Oversee the tender process, including preparing tender documents, evaluating bids from subcontractors and suppliers, and negotiating optimal pricing.
• Collaboration: Work closely with design teams, project managers, clients, and subcontractors to ensure alignment on project scope, specifications, and cost objectives from project inception.
• Data Analysis & Reporting: Prepare comprehensive cost reports, analyses, and presentations for internal stakeholders and clients, clearly articulating cost drivers and assumptions.
• Process Improvement: Continuously review and improve estimation processes, tools, and databases to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Experience you'll need:

• Proven experience (minimum 5+ years) in construction estimating, with a significant portion dedicated to estimating for commercial projects, ideally within fit-out or commercial building sectors.
• Demonstrable experience in developing conceptual estimates, budget estimates, and detailed tenders from various stages of design.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement methods, and UK building regulations.
• Proficiency in estimation software (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam, or similar).
• Excellent analytical, mathematical, and problem-solving skills.
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and presentation abilities.
• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• Ideally you'll also have experience within the Design & Build sector, working on Commercial or Office interiors.

What We Offer: In return, you will receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including a pension, paid holiday leave, and travel opportunities across our global offices. Unispace values its employees and offers extensive rewards and recognition, career development, and a focus on well-being. While we do support Hybrid and Flexible working where possible, there will be a requirement to be in our London Studio to collaborate with the team on a regular basis.

Join Us: If you are passionate about joining Unispace and contributing to some of the world’s most recognisable commercial design projects, then please apply through our careers page.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment: At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition, physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of color, women, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is integral to our success.