At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders and cost estimates for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Respected Essex-based contractor with a collaborative and dynamic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Immediate interviews available for motivated candidates ready to grow.
- Why this job: Join a team where your work directly impacts diverse construction projects.
- Qualifications: 3+ years estimating experience in construction and strong analytical skills.
We’re partnered with a long-established and highly respected Essex-based main contractor delivering commercial, education, healthcare, community, and residential construction projects across Essex and the wider East Anglia region. With over 60 years of successful trading, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality refurbishment, extension, alteration, and new-build schemes while maintaining long-term relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors. Unlike heavily corporate contractors, the environment is collaborative, fast-moving, and relationship-driven, giving estimators genuine visibility of projects from initial enquiry through to contract award. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable Estimator who wants broad project exposure, greater responsibility, and a clear route toward senior pre-construction or commercial positions.
The Opportunity
Working closely with the Commercial Manager, operational teams, and directors, you’ll play a key role in the preparation and submission of competitive tenders across a varied portfolio of refurbishment and construction projects. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of tenders, contribute to pricing strategy, and help secure future work across multiple sectors.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Preparing detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications
- Producing accurate cost estimates for refurbishment, alteration, extension, and newbuild projects
- Preparing and submitting competitive tender returns
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation
- Sending enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers
- Obtaining, analysing, and comparing subcontractor and supplier quotations
- Building up rates and pricing schedules
- Identifying value engineering opportunities and costsaving options
- Assisting with tender adjudications and commercial reviews
- Maintaining accurate estimating records and cost databases
- Liaising with site, design, and operational teams during the tender process
What They’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will already have experience working for a main contractor, refurbishment contractor, or construction business and be comfortable managing tenders with a good degree of autonomy.
Key Requirements
- Minimum 3+ years’ experience in estimating within construction
- Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing
- Experience pricing refurbishment and/or newbuild projects
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documents
- Experience obtaining and assessing subcontractor quotations
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problemsolving skills
- Excellent attention to detail
- Confident communication and teamwork abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office
- Experience with estimating software is advantageous
- Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline is beneficial
- Most importantly, they’re looking for someone who is commercially aware, proactive, and keen to develop into a senior member of the preconstruction team.
Ready to Apply?
If you’re an Estimator with relevant construction, refurbishment, commercial, education, healthcare, or main contractor experience and are looking for broader project exposure, greater responsibility, and long-term progression within a respected regional contractor, we’d like to hear from you. The business is actively recruiting, and interviews are being arranged immediately. Please hit apply and we’ll be in touch to organise a confidential discussion.
Estimator - Commercial Projects in Southend-on-Sea employer: Adore Recruitment Ltd
Adore Recruitment Ltd is an outstanding employer that champions high-performing sales professionals by offering a competitive salary and uncapped commission, allowing for significant earning potential. With a dynamic work culture that prioritises relationship-building and personal growth, employees are encouraged to excel in their roles while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the Greater London area, which fosters both professional and personal development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator - Commercial Projects in Southend-on-Sea
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Adore Recruitment Ltd, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Estimator - Commercial Projects at Adore Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator - Commercial Projects in Southend-on-Sea
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Adore Recruitment Ltd
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
