Senior Estimator / Estimator

Blue Octopus Recruitment Limited; Exeter; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK recruitment firm is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their team in Exeter. This role involves leading the estimation process for new developments, mentoring junior staff, and ensuring competitive submissions. The ideal candidate will have strong knowledge of construction methods and excellent technical skills using estimating systems. The position offers various benefits including a performance-based bonus, 26 days of holidays, and private medical insurance, with a focus on promoting Health & Safety and diversity in the workplace.

Benefits

Bonus entitlement based on performance KPIs

26 days holidays

Life Assurance

Pension

Private medical insurance

Ability to purchase additional holiday

Access to discount portal

Cycle to Work scheme

Digital GP

Employee assistance programme

Sharesave scheme

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, materials and procurement processes.
• Experience in using estimating systems is valuable.
• Detail-oriented and commercially astute with advancement potential.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimation process for new developments.
• Mentor junior estimating staff.
• Collaborate with internal teams for comprehensive submissions.
• Interpret bid documentation and manage risks effectively.
• Provide a clear handover to post-contract teams.

Skills

Construction methods

Contracts knowledge

Detail-oriented

Commercial awareness

Proficiency in Microsoft Word

Proficiency in Microsoft Excel

Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook

Advanced estimating expertise

Tools

Housebuilder estimating system

Evaluate estimating system

Job description

Overview

Permanent – 37.5 Hours per week

We are now seeking a Senior Estimator to join our South West team in Exeter to produce accurate, timely, and competitive cost estimates that help secure new business and support our continued growth.

Reporting to the Regional Commercial Director, our Senior Estimator will play a pivotal role in safeguarding Lovell’s commercial interests while ensuring our bids stand out for their accuracy, competitiveness, and low-risk profile. You will lead the estimation process for new developments, collaborate closely with internal teams, and mentor junior estimating staff.

You will take ownership of pre-acquisition viabilities and competitive bids, ensuring every submission is thoroughly developed, commercially sound and delivered within tight deadlines. You will interpret bid and contractual documentation carefully, identify risks early and manage them effectively to ensure Lovell enters each opportunity with a strong, well-informed commercial position.

Once a scheme is awarded, you will provide a clear and well-structured handover to post-contract teams to support successful delivery. The role also carries responsibilities under the company’s Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity policies, requiring full compliance and the promotion of safe, fair and respectful working practices.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimation process for new developments and mentor junior estimating staff.
• Collaborate closely with internal teams and ensure submissions are thorough, commercially sound and delivered within tight deadlines.
• Interpret bid and contractual documentation, identify risks early and manage them to maintain a strong commercial position.
• Provide a clear handover to post-contract teams after a scheme is awarded to support delivery.
• Uphold Health & Safety and Equality & Diversity policies and promote safe, fair and respectful working practices.

Qualifications

• Strong technical knowledge of construction methods, materials, procurement processes and local subcontract markets; solid understanding of contracts and pricing.
• Experience using Housebuilder and Evaluate estimating systems is valuable; proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.
• Advanced estimating expertise within the residential construction sector is a strong advantage.
• Detail-oriented, commercially astute estimator with the ability to take the next step in their career.

Benefits

• Bonus entitlement based on performance KPIs
• Holidays 26 days
• Life Assurance
• Pension
• Private medical insurance
• Ability to purchase additional holiday
• Access to discount portal
• Cycle to Work scheme and the Lovell Way to EV
• Digital GP
• Employee assistance programme
• Sharesave scheme
• As an Investors in People Gold award employer, Lovell is the UK’s leading provider of mixed tenure affordable homes and has a reputation for innovation and excellence in the delivery of high-quality housing development and regeneration projects.
• Lovell is committed to enhancing communities, developing talent and encouraging diversity and inclusion within its teams.