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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.
Job Title: Estimator (Social Housing Refurbishment & Decarbonisation) Location: Wigan Project Locations: Across the M60 / M62 Corridor (Wigan to Leeds) Salary: Up to £60,000 (dependent on experience) Type: Permanent Interview Process: One-stage interview Start Date: ASAP Overview Our client is a well-established contractor specialising in social housing refurbishment and decarbonisation schemes. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an Intermediate to Senior-level Estimator to strengthen their commercial team. This role would suit a commercially minded Estimator (or Quantity Surveyor looking to move into estimating) who understands how to build rates, assess risk, and produce realistic, deliverable costings, rather than relying on textbook estimating alone. Key Responsibilities Estimating Preparing detailed cost estimates for social housing refurbishment and decarbonisation projects Building up rates from first principles to create a full commercial picture Reviewing drawings, specifications, schedules of works, and employer\’s requirements Producing accurate tenders using Excel Liaising with supply chain and subcontractors to obtain competitive pricing Identifying commercial risks and opportunities within tenders Supporting value engineering and alternative proposals Commercial & Business Awareness Applying a commercial and business-focused mindset to all estimates Understanding delivery constraints and ensuring tenders are realistic and achievable Working closely with the wider commercial and delivery teams Contributing to continuous improvement of estimating processes Candidate Requirements Intermediate to Senior-level experience in an Estimator role Background in social housing refurbishment and/or decarbonisation schemes (essential) Experience working for a contractor (not developer-side) Strong commercial awareness with the ability to build rates from scratch Confident using Excel for estimating and cost analysis Ability to work from the office with regular site visits Organised, analytical, and detail-oriented Desirable Quantity Surveying background with a clear interest in an Estimator role Experience working within planned maintenance, retrofit, or energy efficiency works Familiarity with public sector or framework-based tenders Working Environment Office-based role with site visits as required Part of an established team of Estimators and Commercial Assistants Supportive and collaborative commercial team structure Projects located across the North West and Yorkshire (Wigan to Leeds corridor) What\’s on Offer Salary up to £60,000 Secure workload within the social housing sector Fast hiring process (one-stage interview) Opportunity to join a growing business with long-term frameworks Immediate start available
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.
