At a Glance
- Tasks: Join us as an Estimator / Cost Planner and shape project costs from start to finish.
- Company: Bovis, a forward-thinking company that values diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible work options, competitive salary, and generous leave policies.
- Other info: We promote inclusivity and offer excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by optimising project costs and collaborating with diverse teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost planning and strong analytical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
The Estimator / Cost Planner is responsible for all aspects of cost planning and estimating, working closely with senior colleagues, project teams, and both internal and external clients from project inception.
Main duties include preparing estimates for bids, developing strategies, managing approval processes, and coordinating all bid components such as cost plans, commentary, fees, and value engineering.
The role involves challenging design teams to deliver efficient solutions within budget, supporting best practice development, sharing expertise, and ensuring forecast margins are met throughout project delivery.
Key Responsibilities
- Cost Planning
- Utilise and support the development of the company’s preferred cost planning software and tools
- Be proficient in taking off quantities using the Bovis measurement software
- Collaborate with the commercial team to secure market prices for trade packages and analyse these against cost plan allowances
- Prepare, review, and analyse preliminaries for first and second stage bids, including producing standard preliminaries aligned with the proposed bid strategy
- Incorporate programming requirements, methodology, phasing, and associated implications into cost plans and preliminaries
- Accurately quantify and price cost plans from Development Brief / Feasibility stage through to Contract Price with the preferred contractor
- Ability to build rates from first principles (labour, plant, and materials) is desirable but not essential
- Accurate forecasting (inflation) of current trade rates
- Manage external consultants (EQ Bill of Quants Consultancy), including initial engagement, appointment, issue of information, quality control, and ensuring submission and return in line with the programme
- Be able to assess sub-contractor proposals
- Prepare design fees with support from the relevant Design Manager
- Prepare cost plan commentary and supply key information to Bid Managers to support technical and written responses within tender submissions
- Ensure that scope, assumptions, and pricing are clearly documented throughout all cost planning stages
- Design and Cost Control
- Support project teams with change control and major variations during conversion and delivery stages.
- Support project and design teams in producing a design that meets cost plan requirements.
- Continuously analyse the design against cost plan assumptions, design briefs/target metrics, and benchmark projects.
- Bidding and Strategy
- Lead or support a bid as a Cost Planner either independently or as part of a team, depending on project scale and complexity.
- Support compliance of the cost plan with brief, authority, financiers’, and customer requirements during the conversion stage.
- Data / Analytics
- Support the updating of design and cost KPI's.
- Support benchmarking data and workstreams (cost / design / programme), ensuring data is captured and maintained.
And support an initiative for the development of benchmarking systems.
- Contribute to the development of best practices, standards, knowledge bases, sector expertise, industry trends, yardsticks, and benchmarks.
- Produce written narratives outlining key insights derived from cost and benchmarking analysis, including justification of the cost plan within the context of these findings.
- Credentials
- Maintain CSCS card for therole Currently holding, or working towards a related Chartership such as MRICS /MCIOB
Essential Skills, Knowledge, Experience & Behaviours
Skills
- Ability to influence and lead teams
- Ability to read drawings and construction design information
- Data analysis and data analytics including use of Power BI Document control
- Negotiation
- Problem solving
- Process compliance
- Quantity take-off
- Strong Commercial acumen
- Tendering subcontract works packages of medium to high value
- Time management and prioritising tasks in order to meet deadlines
- Written and verbal communication to influence and build relationships with various stakeholders
- Knowledge
- Ability to contribute to value engineering as part of the design process.
- Allocation of scope to trade packages
- Be able to produce detailed prelim forecasts.
- Understand and apply cost planning & financial procedures and reporting tools
- Understanding of various procurement routes, including the RIBA design processes
Experience
- Proven track record of working on various bid stages included Stage 1 (initial tender) and Stage 2 (Conversion into contract / PCSA).
- Reviewing subcontractor tender offers and subcontractor tender analysis produced by the commercial team to ensure a robust cost position.
- Coordinating multiple trade packages into a master cost plan / bill of quantities to ensure all scope gaps are found, priced, and any duplication is removed.
- Coordinating resources internally to ensure deliverables are met.
- Preparing cost plans at various RIBA stages.
- Presenting to stakeholders
- Understanding, building, and using benchmarking data for use at reviews, and for use externally with clients / consultants
- Behaviours
- Flexibility and openness of approach and willingness to work as a team player
- Has a great attention to detail and thoroughness in all of the work they produced
- analytical thinking
- Taking ownership of Reporting, including populating all key templates and documents for reviews.
- Provides constructive challenge and feedback to others within the team.
We will provide
- Flexible and hybrid work options
- Up to 10% employer pension contribution
- Private medical health benefit
- Life assurance 25 days annual leave with the option to buy or sell additional days
- 4 days wellbeing leave in addition to annual leave
- Health and wellbeing support and initiatives24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme including direct access to Talking Therapies and Coaching services
- Discounted gym membership to over 2,500 gym’s nation wide
- Industry leading parental leave
- Belong at Bovis
We offer workplaces that unite diverse minds; where respect, equal treatment and equal opportunity are just the norm.
We are a disability inclusive employer.
If you need any adjustment or changes to the process, email us to let us know if you have a preferred communication method.
We build careers, develop skills, and invest in people. Imagine what more you can do here.
Bovis is committed to being a diverse and inclusive employer of choice by engaging, enabling and empowering our people.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, and we are happy to consider flexible working arrangements.
Inclusion sets us all up for success and we particularly encourage applications from currently under-represented groups in our industry including those who self-identify as women, black, Asian, minority ethnic, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and/ or disabled.
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Estimator / Cost Planner in Manchester employer: Bovis
Bovis is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and a collaborative work culture, making it an ideal place for a Strategic Talent Acquisition Partner. With a strong focus on diversity, equity, and inclusion, employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work while benefiting from flexible hybrid arrangements. The company offers robust professional development opportunities and values data-driven decision-making, ensuring that you can make a meaningful impact in your role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator / Cost Planner in Manchester
✨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 Bovis, 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 / Cost Planner at Bovis.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator / Cost Planner in Manchester
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 Bovis
✨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!
