Lead Estimator

Brightpath Recruitment; Cross; Hybrid; EUR 55,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Autonomy in estimating

Structured training

On-site project exposure

Collaborative environment

West of Ireland location

Competitive salary

Job summary

Brightpath Recruitment is seeking a Lead Estimator for a well-established contractor in the West of Ireland. This role will lead the estimating function and work closely with the Commercial Manager to secure future project workload.

You will prepare fully costed tenders, interpret drawings and BOQs, and develop cost plans with an emphasis on value and deliverability. Hybrid working is available, with training and mentorship provided.

Qualifications

• Proactive attitude with willingness to learn.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with strong attention to detail.
• Knowledge of the Irish construction industry or desire to build this knowledge.
• Strong Excel skills; estimating software experience (Cubit/CostX/Candy) advantageous but not essential.
• Relevant qualification in QS, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related trade background.

Responsibilities

• Prepare accurate, competitive, fully costed tender submissions (labour, plant, materials, subcontract packages).
• Review drawings, specs, and BOQs to identify scope, risks and opportunities.
• Develop bills of quantities for design-and-build or FPLS projects with QS team support.
• Source, assess and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations for best value.
• Build detailed cost plans, pricing strategies, and risk assessments for internal review.
• Collaborate with commercial, contracts and procurement teams to ensure deliverable pricing.
• Provide procurement and commercial support to live projects as needed.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes and price lists.

Skills

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Excel proficiency

Education

QS/CM/Civil Eng qualification

Tools

Cubit

CostX

Candy

Job description

A well-established, forward-thinking, mid-sized contractor in the West of Ireland is seeking an Estimator to lead its price-based tendering function.

This is a genuine opportunity to join a collaborative, supportive team where you will have both autonomy and influence in shaping how estimating is carried out within the business.

A selective approach to tendering ensures a manageable volume of bids, giving you the time and space to focus on producing high-quality, well-considered submissions—without the high-pressure environment typical of larger organisations.

Full training and mentorship will be provided to support your development into a confident, modern estimator using the latest tools and technologies. While prior estimating experience is welcome, candidates from quantity surveying, site engineering, or related construction backgrounds with strong potential are also encouraged to apply.

A positive attitude, curiosity, and commitment to continuous learning are highly valued.

The Role

As the Lead Estimator, you will work closely with the Commercial Manager to manage the estimating process end-to-end, playing a key role in securing future project workload.

You will collaborate with the Bid Manager and senior leadership team to prepare and close tenders, while also supporting procurement activities across the wider commercial function when required.

This role is primarily office-based in the West of Ireland, with flexibility for hybrid working.

Key Responsibilities

Prepare accurate, competitive, and fully costed tender submissions from first principles, including labour, plant, materials, and subcontract packages

Review and interpret tender documentation (drawings, specifications, BOQs) to identify scope, risks, and opportunities

Develop bills of quantities for design-and-build or FPLS projects, with QS team support where required

Source, assess, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations to achieve best value

Build detailed cost plans, pricing strategies, and risk assessments for internal review

Collaborate with commercial, contracts, and procurement teams to ensure realistic and deliverable pricing

Provide ad hoc procurement and commercial support to live projects as needed

Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, including maintaining price lists, templates, supplier databases, and adopting digital tools

What You'll Bring

A proactive attitude with a strong willingness to learn and develop

Excellent numerical and analytical skills with strong attention to detail

Knowledge of the Irish construction industry (or a clear desire to build this knowledge)

Strong Excel skills; experience with estimating software (e.g. Cubit, CostX, Candy) is an advantage but not essential

A relevant qualification (Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or trade background)

Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively within a close-knit team

What We Offer

• Ownership of the estimating function with real autonomy
• Structured training and development in modern estimating practices and tools
• Opportunities to engage with projects on-site and see your work delivered
• A supportive, collaborative working environment with long-term career progression
• The opportunity to live and work in the West of Ireland on high-quality regional projects
• A competitive salary package based on experience and potential