Senior Estimator - Construction

Henley Chase; Cambridge; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable construction firm in Cambridge is seeking an Experienced Estimator to join their established team. This role involves producing cost plans for construction projects and managing the tender process. Ideal candidates should have strong organizational skills and proficiency with Microsoft Office. The position offers 25 days of annual leave, a company car, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Company car or allowance

Free parking

Contributory pension scheme

Access to reward platforms

Qualifications

• Experience in estimating for construction projects is essential.
• Strong communication skills are required.
• Must be capable of working independently and in a team.

Responsibilities

• Produce cost plans from RIBA Stages 0-3.
• Lead the tender enquiry process and manage subcontractor packages.
• Attend client meetings and present tender information.

Skills

Strong organisational and time-management abilities

Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Excellent written and spoken English

Clear and professional telephone manner

Strong numeracy and commercial awareness

Ability to work under pressure

Effective team player

Tools

Causeway

Excel-based estimating software

Job description

Experienced Estimator - Cambridge

Salary depends on experience.

Location: Cambridge (office-based with flexibility to work across other regional offices).

Role Overview

An opportunity has arisen for an Experienced Estimator to join an established estimating team based in Cambridge. The role involves working on a wide range of interesting and challenging construction projects across multiple sectors. You will need to be ambitious, self‑motivated, and capable of working independently as well as collaboratively within a professional team. Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, are essential, along with a clean driving licence. The position suits either an intermediate estimator seeking career progression or an experienced estimator looking to contribute their expertise to a growing team.

Project & Sector Experience

Experience within the following sectors is beneficial but not essential:

• Commercial
• MOD & Defence
• Education
• Healthcare
• R&D, Life Sciences, Commercial & Industrial
• Residential (apartments and student accommodation)

Familiarity with a variety of procurement routes—such as Design & Build, Traditional, and Two‑Stage—covering project values from £2m to £30m is useful. Further training and development will be available through senior colleagues.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce cost plans from RIBA Stages 0‑3, including elemental and fully measured cost plans.
• Prepare pricing from first principles where required.
• Take off quantities from drawings using Autodesk Design Review.
• Lead the tender enquiry process and manage subcontractor packages.
• Allocate elemental BQ items into work packages.
• Complete subcontractor comparisons and identify scope gaps.
• Work with the supply chain to develop value engineering options.
• Price site preliminaries.
• Identify key risks and opportunities for tender settlement.
• Benchmark using BCIS data, apply TPIs, and use location factorisation.
• Price competitive tenders under the direction of senior estimating staff.
• Review contract documentation and commercial information.
• Attend client meetings and present tender information to project teams.
• Review tender documents and complete enquiry checklists.
• Take off groundwork packages and compile labour, plant, and materials pricing.
• Maintain risk and opportunity registers.
• Liaise with the buying team to obtain material quotations.
• Assist with tender adjudication.
• Price variations and additions as required.
• Create material lists and compare supplier quotations.
• Undertake site visits.

Key Skills Required

• Strong organisational and time‑management abilities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with Causeway or Excel‑based estimating software is advantageous.
• Excellent written and spoken English.
• Clear and professional telephone manner, with confidence communicating directly with clients (including virtual meetings).
• Strong work ethic with evidence of consistent professional commitment.
• Strong numeracy and commercial awareness.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Effective team player.

Role Benefits

• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Company car (or allowance depending on organisation policy).
• Free parking.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Working hours: 8:15am - 5:00pm, Monday to Friday.
• Access to reward and discount platforms (if offered by employer).

Additional Information

Support for professional development, training, and career progression can be provided. The employer is committed to equal opportunities and fostering an inclusive working environment.