Estimator – Growing Main Contractor Location: Hertfordshire / Essex Salary: £65,000 – £85,000 + Car Allowance (Experience Dependent) Company: Family-Owned Main Contractor Project Types: Commercial Refurbishments up to £10m Project Locations: Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridge & London Reports to: Head of Estimating & Preconstruction The Opportunity We’re working with a growing, family-owned main contractor operating across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridge and London, delivering a range of commercial refurbishment projects up to £10m in value. With an excellent reputation, an ambitious leadership team and a clear strategy to double turnover by 2030, the business is on a real upward trajectory. They’re now looking to appoint an Estimator who wants to be part of that journey, playing an important role in securing new projects and supporting the continued growth of the business. This is an opportunity to join a contractor where you’re more than just a number. The business offers a flexible, high-trust working culture, giving its team the autonomy to do their jobs well without unnecessary layers of management or bureaucracy. You'll work closely with the wider pre-construction, commercial and operational teams, taking ownership of your estimates and making a tangible contribution to the continued success of the business. If you're looking for a role where you can enjoy a healthy degree of autonomy, work with a supportive team and grow alongside an ambitious contractor, this could be an excellent next step. What You’ll Be Doing * Preparing detailed and accurate estimates for commercial refurbishment projects across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridge and London, with project values of up to £10m. * Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, specifications and scope requirements to establish project costs. * Obtaining, analysing and comparing subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure competitive and commercially sound tenders. * Building up costs for labour, materials, plant, subcontractor packages and preliminaries. * Identifying commercial risks, opportunities and value engineering options throughout the tender process. * Liaising with subcontractors, suppliers, clients and consultants to clarify project requirements and ensure accurate pricing. * Working closely with the commercial and operational teams to develop robust tender submissions and support successful project handovers. * Preparing tender documents, cost breakdowns and supporting information for submission. * Contributing to bid reviews, tender adjudications and the ongoing development of estimating processes. * Taking ownership of your tenders while helping the business secure the right projects to support its ambitious growth plans. What We’re Looking For * Proven experience as an Estimator within a main contracting environment. * A background in commercial refurbishment, fit out or similar construction projects. * Experience pricing projects from initial tender review through to final submission. * Strong knowledge of construction costs, subcontractor procurement, supplier pricing and project preliminaries. * The ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation accurately. * Good commercial awareness, analytical skills and a proactive approach to identifying risks and opportunities. * Strong negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build effective relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and internal teams. * A methodical, organised approach and the confidence to take ownership of the estimating process. Most importantly, we're looking for someone who wants to be part of a business that's going places. You'll be commercially astute, comfortable working autonomously and keen to develop your career as the company continues to grow. What’s on Offer? * £65,000 – £85,000 salary, depending on experience. * Car allowance. * A flexible, high-trust working culture built around autonomy, accountability and getting the job done. * The opportunity to join a growing, family-owned main contractor where people are valued and contributions are recognised. * A clear and ambitious growth strategy, with plans to double turnover by 2030. * The chance to grow alongside the business, taking on greater responsibility as the company expands. * A varied portfolio of commercial refurbishment projects across Hertfordshire, Essex, Cambridge and London. * A supportive working environment where you can build strong relationships with the leadership team and have a genuine impact on the business. This is more than just another Estimator role. It's an opportunity to join an ambitious, growing contractor at an exciting stage of its journey, where you can enjoy a strong working culture, take ownership of your tenders and help shape the next phase of the business's success. Interested in finding out more? Apply today for a confidential conversation
Estimator in Bishops Stortford employer: Bigblue Search Ltd
Join a prestigious team dedicated to delivering exceptional luxury hotel experiences in the heart of Windsor. As a Project Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values innovation and excellence, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development. Enjoy the unique advantage of working on high-profile projects while being part of a supportive environment that prioritises quality and stakeholder satisfaction.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Bishops Stortford
✨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 Bigblue Search 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 at Bigblue Search Ltd.
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 Bigblue Search 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!
