Design Estimator (Construction) in City of London

Reports to: Production Director

All potential candidates should read through the following details of this job with care before making an application.

Office location: London

Salary: £70,000 - £80,000

The Company: A S Ramsay Building Contractors Ltd are award winning building contractors based in London and the Southeast. Our primary point of company culture is to ensure our staff focus on having a service first approach, being approachable, honest and clear with our clients. We strive to be at the very top of our industry in terms of quality control, development of staff, and customer service.

Our work focus is:

• Restoration: external mansion block repair schemes and internal common part refurbishment.
• Cladding remediation: design and build contracts replacing combustible cladding to residential high-rise buildings.
• Fire compartmentation: certified fire door installation, repair and maintenance, as well as compartmentation schemes and installation of fire detection and suppression systems.

Job Purpose: The Senior Estimator is responsible for pricing, compiling and managing tenders, and producing detailed budgets and pre-contract programmes in line with project specifications and UK regulatory requirements. A core aspect of the role is the accurate assessment and pricing of compartmentation and passive fire protection works, ensuring compliance with current legislation including the Building Safety Act, Approved Documents, and relevant British Standards. The role covers the full pre-construction process through to handover to delivery teams and includes supporting business development, with a focus on securing opportunities within fire remediation and compartmentation works.

Main Duties:

• Support and mentor Estimators, developing their knowledge in compartmentation, fire stopping, and compliance-led estimating.
• Lead the pricing of passive fire protection works, including fire stopping, cavity barriers, fire boarding, penetration sealing, and fire door interfaces.
• Review drawings, specifications, and fire strategies to identify compartmentation requirements and compliance risks at tender stage.
• Undertake detailed site surveys to assess existing compartmentation, fire stopping defects, and remedial requirements.
• Interpret and apply relevant standards and guidance, including: Approved Document B, BS 476 / BS EN 1366 series, BS 9991 / BS 9999, Guidance from the Association for Specialist Fire Protection (ASFP).
• Analyse cost data including productivity, preliminaries, and fire compliance risks, ensuring appropriate allowances are made.
• Compile and manage tenders from initial allocation through to submission in line with company procedures.
• Prepare detailed budgets and pre-contract programmes, ensuring fire protection scopes are clearly defined, compliant, and traceable.
• Identify and manage risks relating to non-compliant or incomplete compartmentation details within tender documentation.
• Liaise with specialist subcontractors and suppliers to ensure all systems are third-party certified (e.g. FIRAS, BM TRADA) and suitable for intended applications.
• Source and negotiate supplier quotations, ensuring alignment with tested details and certification requirements.
• Analyse subcontractor and supplier quotes to identify scope gaps, particularly relating to fire stopping details and installation standards.
• Ensure all RFIs clearly track fire-related queries, assumptions, and compliance clarifications throughout the tender period.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of UK fire safety legislation, Building Regulations, and industry best practice.
• Assess site-specific Health & Safety requirements, particularly relating to fire safety and occupied building works.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, promoting a compliance-first and safety-led approach.
• Actively seek new business opportunities, particularly within fire remediation, cladding remediation interfaces, and compartmentation projects.
• Ensure all tender documentation is accurately recorded and stored in SharePoint in line with company procedures.
• Support marketing initiatives by contributing project content that highlights fire safety and remediation expertise.

Personal Specification:

• Minimum 5 years estimating experience within the UK construction industry.
• Proven experience or strong exposure to passive fire protection / compartmentation works.
• Good understanding of UK Building Regulations, particularly Approved Document B.
• Familiarity with relevant British Standards and fire testing requirements.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and fire strategies.
• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or similar (preferred).
• Strong commercial awareness with a focus on risk, compliance, and quality.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and meet deadlines.

Personal Attributes:

• Strong attention to detail, particularly in relation to compliance-critical fire safety elements.
• Proactive, organised, and solution-focused.
• Clear communicator, capable of discussing technical fire safety requirements with clients and colleagues.
• Positive attitude with a collaborative approach.
• Driven to achieve high standards and contribute to company growth.