Estimator

Estimator

Full-Time 45000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Allison Homes Limited

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Estimate costs for residential developments and ensure projects stay on budget.
  • Company: Award-winning housebuilder focused on creating beautiful, affordable homes.
  • Benefits: Discretionary bonus, car allowance, 25 days holiday, and health benefits.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth and collaboration.
  • Why this job: Join a passionate team and contribute to building communities while growing your career.
  • Qualifications: 3+ years in estimating or cost management, strong numeracy, and communication skills.

The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.

At Allison Homes, we pride ourselves on being an award‑winning private housebuilder dedicated to creating beautiful homes and communities across the East of England, the East Midlands and the South West of England.

Our mission is to provide affordable yet aspirational homes to our communities, ensuring that new homes are accessible and attainable for all with a quality product suitable for everyone.

We are proud of our people, and collaboration and teamwork are key to everything we do. Our values are at our heart and centre around Trust, Teamwork, Kindness and Passion.

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to help us achieve our ambitious growth plans and goals, to be part of our journey and to grow their career along with our success.

Reporting to the Commercial Manager, as Estimator you will be responsible for estimating costs for residential developments, ensuring that projects are delivered on budget while meeting required standards and quality.

Your role will span from the initial planning phase through to completion, involving the preparation of accurate cost estimates, budget control, and procurement of sub‑contractors.

You will also assist in preparing tender documents, evaluating contractor bids, and managing cost fluctuations throughout the project lifecycle.

You will provide valuable support to both the commercial and site teams, helping to ensure that projects are executed efficiently and cost‑effectively, while promoting value‑driven procurement practices.

Key Responsibilities

  • Assist in the preparation and review of land appraisals to support site acquisitions.
  • Prepare and report on land appraisal budgets, including cost movements from initial land appraisals through to gaining planning consent.
  • Collaborate with the Land, Technical, Sales and Production Departments to prepare site‑specific land appraisals, ensuring all work is in line with established costs, agreed programme, sales revenue and land bid timetables.
  • Walk potential land acquisition sites to review, assess, and report on the risks and opportunities within each land bid.
  • Proactively seek ways to deliver best value for money by considering new materials and methods of construction. Propose alternative approaches for non‑standard works as needed.
  • Working closely with departmental Quantity Surveyors and Buyers as well as external stakeholders to establish and maintain a comprehensive cost library, including all elements related to prelims, site works, and land abnormalities.
  • Provide timely reports on cost movements due to factors like inflation or planning requirements.
  • Uphold and promote the company’s commitment to health and safety by adhering to all relevant health and safety policies, ensuring a safe working environment.
  • Regularly prepare, analyse, and present reports on a monthly or quarterly basis, providing updates on budget status, risks, and opportunities.
  • Attend management team and departmental meetings, including those held at various offsite locations.
  • What you will bring
  • A minimum of three years’ experience in a similar estimating or cost management role, preferably within the construction or housebuilding industry.
  • Highly numerate with exceptional attention to detail, particularly in compiling, interpreting, and presenting financial data.
  • Strong understanding of all relevant codes of practice (Building Regulations, NHBC, Code for Sustainable Homes).
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines, even in high‑pressure situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, with the ability to build and maintain relationships with external contractors and stakeholders.
  • Organised, self‑motivated, and able to work autonomously or as part of a team.
  • Ability to propose cost‑effective solutions and alternative approaches to construction methods, ensuring optimal budget control.
  • Highly numerate with excellent attention to detail, able to compile, interpret and present data for the preparation of budgets and valuations.
  • Articulate and calm under pressure.
  • Strong IT skills, including working knowledge of computer systems within the commercial environment.
  • The ability to embrace and role model our company values – Trust, Teamwork, Kindness and Passion.
  • A full driving licence.
  • What you get in return
  • Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
  • Car allowance (with option to join the company salary sacrifice car scheme in Summer 2025).
  • 25 days holiday (extending to 27 days holiday after two years of continuous service).
  • Pension Scheme.
  • Group Life Assurance.
  • Group Income Protection Scheme.
  • Smart Health Employee Assistance Programme.
  • Opt in – Simply Health Cash Plan.
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Estimator employer: Allison Homes Limited

Allison Homes is an exceptional employer that prioritises the growth and development of its employees, particularly in the role of Assistant Engineer. Located in the Central Region, we offer a collaborative work culture where you will gain invaluable hands-on experience across all stages of residential development, supported by a comprehensive benefits package including a competitive commission scheme, generous holiday allowance, and various health and wellbeing initiatives. Join us to build a rewarding career in engineering while embodying our core values and contributing to high-quality developments.

Allison Homes Limited

Contact Details:

Allison Homes Limited Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Estimator

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 Allison Homes Limited, 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 at Allison Homes Limited.

We think you need these skills to ace Estimator

Cost Estimation
Budget Control
Procurement
Land Appraisals
Risk Assessment
Value Engineering
Communication Skills

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 Allison Homes Limited

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!