At a Glance
- Tasks: Assist in pricing tenders and managing procurement for exciting fit-out projects.
- Company: Dynamic fit-out contractor with a strong pipeline of projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension scheme, 28 days holiday, and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make an impact on diverse retail and commercial interiors.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction procurement or estimating, strong numeracy, and communication skills.
- Other info: Stable business with excellent long-term progression potential.
The predicted salary is between 28000 - 36000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Buyer / Estimator to join a busy fit-out contractor delivering fast-track retail and commercial interiors nationwide. Due to sustained growth and a strong pipeline of secured projects, the business is looking to strengthen its commercial team with a motivated, detail-driven individual who enjoys working across both procurement and estimating.
Projects typically range from £100k to £2m, with a high volume of schemes across London and surrounding regions.
Job Overview
This is a varied role supporting both pre-construction and live site delivery. You'll assist with pricing tenders, preparing material take-offs, sourcing suppliers, and managing procurement to ensure projects remain competitive, profitable, and delivered on time. You'll work closely with project managers, site teams and directors, gaining wide exposure across the full project lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in preparing tenders, cost estimates and take-offs from drawings and specifications
- Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors
- Support pricing of fit-out projects, ensuring accurate cost breakdowns and allowances
- Prepare purchase orders and manage material procurement for live projects
- Negotiate pricing, lead times and payment terms with suppliers
- Track and monitor costs, ensuring alignment with budgets and programme deadlines
- Maintain pricing databases and supplier relationships
- Liaise with project, site and accounts teams to support smooth project delivery
- Contribute to value engineering and cost-saving initiatives
Requirements
- Experience in construction procurement and/or estimating (fit-out experience advantageous)
- Good understanding of construction materials, interiors and finishes
- Confident reading drawings and specifications
- Strong numeracy, accuracy and analytical skills
- Excellent communication skills and professional telephone manner
- Competent in Excel and general IT systems
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines across several projects
- Based within commutable distance of Huntingdon
Salary & Benefits
- Salary: £35,000 - £45,000 (DOE)
- Pension scheme
- 28 days' holiday including bank holidays
- Opportunities for training and career development
- Stable business with strong forward workload
- Long-term progression potential as the team grows
Estimator in Cambridge employer: Bennett and Game
Contact Detail:
Bennett and Game Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Cambridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it relates to the role of Buyer/Estimator. Highlight your skills in procurement and estimating, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to go directly to the source.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Cambridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Buyer/Estimator role. Highlight your experience in construction procurement and estimating, especially if you've worked on fit-out projects. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application, don’t just list your skills—show us how you’ve used them! Whether it’s reading drawings or managing procurement, give us examples that demonstrate your strong numeracy and analytical abilities.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your cover letter, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate a well-structured letter that gets straight to the heart of why you’re the perfect fit for our team. Remember, we love detail-driven individuals!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be able to upload your CV and cover letter directly. Let’s get your application rolling!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bennett and Game
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate strong numeracy and analytical skills. Brush up on your maths and be ready to discuss how you approach cost breakdowns and pricing strategies during the interview. Practice explaining your thought process clearly.
✨Familiarise with Fit-Out Projects
Since the role involves working on fit-out projects, make sure you understand the specifics of this type of work. Research common materials, finishes, and challenges in the industry. Being able to speak knowledgeably about these topics will impress your interviewers.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions that test your understanding of construction drawings and specifications. Review some examples beforehand and be prepared to explain how you would approach a tender or material take-off. This shows you're proactive and detail-oriented.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role, especially when liaising with project managers and suppliers. Think of examples from your past experiences where you've successfully negotiated or collaborated with others. Be ready to share these stories to highlight your interpersonal skills.