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- Tasks: Prepare accurate cost estimates for bespoke furniture and fit-out projects.
- Company: Join a leading subcontractor in Greater Manchester, specialising in bespoke furniture for education and commercial sectors.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, supportive environment, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Be part of meaningful projects that impact schools while collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in manufacturing or joinery, with strong estimating and communication skills required.
- Other info: Office-based role with a focus on teamwork and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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Employment Type: Full-Time, Office-Based
About the Company:
Our client is a well-established subcontractor in Greater Manchester, they specialise in the design, manufacture, and installation of bespoke furniture and equipment for the education and commercial sectors. Working directly with schools and main contractors, they deliver full turnkey solutions-including lab furniture, ceilings, lighting, and mechanical installations.
Role Overview:
They are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially aware Estimator with a background in manufacturing or joinery. You\’ll be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates across bespoke furniture and fit-out projects, supporting both internal and external stakeholders throughout the tendering and project development process.
Key Responsibilities:
Analyse drawings, specifications, and tender documents to develop accurate time, material, and labour cost estimates.
Produce estimates for both the manufacturing and contract sides of the business.
Collaborate with clients, main contractors, internal design teams, and contract managers.
Support tender submissions from main contractors, ensuring competitiveness and profitability.
Monitor actual project costs against estimates, reporting on variances.
Work closely with the pre-construction team (currently 3 members) and contract managers.
Manage procurement and supplier negotiations to ensure value for money.
Maintain supplier and subcontractor databases and assist in vendor selection.
Prepare cost reports and track budget performance throughout project lifecycles.
Continuously refine estimating and procurement processes for improved efficiency.
Required Experience & Skills:
Background in manufacturing, fitted furniture, or joinery (essential).
Previous estimating experience, ideally in a subcontracting or construction-related business.
Strong understanding of contract and project management principles.
Proficient in reading and interpreting technical drawings and tender documents.
Excellent communication skills, with a proactive approach to stakeholder collaboration.
Strong IT skills, particularly in Excel and estimating software (where applicable).
What We Offer:
Competitive salary package.
Supportive and collaborative working environment.
Opportunity to work on meaningful projects within the education sector.
Clear development and progression pathways.
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Estimator employer: Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd
Contact Detail:
Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific types of projects the company undertakes, especially in bespoke furniture and fit-out projects. Understanding their previous work will help you speak confidently about how your skills align with their needs during any discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the manufacturing and joinery sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with people who might have insights into the company or the role, which can give you an edge in conversations.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your technical drawing interpretation skills. Being able to discuss how you analyse drawings and specifications will demonstrate your capability and confidence in handling the responsibilities of the Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with cost estimation software and Excel. Highlighting your proficiency in these tools will show that you're ready to hit the ground running and contribute effectively to the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities of an Estimator. Familiarise yourself with the key tasks such as analysing drawings and preparing cost estimates, as this will help you tailor your application.
Highlight Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your background in manufacturing or joinery. Mention any previous estimating experience and how it relates to the role, showcasing your understanding of contract and project management principles.
Showcase Technical Skills: Make sure to highlight your proficiency in reading technical drawings and using estimating software. If you have strong IT skills, particularly in Excel, mention specific examples of how you've used these tools in past roles.
Tailor Your Application: Customise your cover letter to reflect your interest in the company and the education sector. Discuss why you want to work for this subcontractor and how your skills can contribute to their projects, especially in delivering bespoke solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to analyse and produce accurate cost estimates. Brush up on your knowledge of material, labour, and time costs related to bespoke furniture and fit-out projects. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Technical Drawings
Since the role requires interpreting technical drawings and tender documents, make sure you can confidently discuss your experience with these. Bring examples of past projects where you've successfully analysed such documents to create estimates.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role, especially when collaborating with clients and internal teams. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with stakeholders in previous positions, highlighting any challenges you overcame.
✨Demonstrate Your IT Proficiency
Proficiency in Excel and estimating software is essential for this position. Be ready to discuss your experience with these tools, perhaps even bringing along a sample estimate you've created in the past to showcase your skills.
