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- Tasks: Lead competitive bids, manage tender documentation, and analyse costs for projects over £20m.
- Company: Join Bowmer + Kirkland, a family-owned business with strong values and a commitment to its people.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, private health insurance, and a pension scheme, plus more perks!
- Why this job: Be part of a dynamic team, work on exciting projects, and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: You need a relevant degree, experience in estimating software, and a proven track record in winning bids.
- Other info: This is a full-time role based in Reading, with opportunities for professional development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are seeking an enthusiastic Estimator to join our Southern region, based at our Turnham Green Regional office near Reading. To work on both single stage and two stage bids and experience of negotiations during a PCSA.
This is a fulltime permanent role. Ideally 42.5 hours over 5 days per week, start time 8.30am – finish time 5.30pm..
Duties of the Role:
- Commercial lead on competitive and negotiated bids.
- Produce internal cost plans to enable understanding of net cost position, as well as external cost submissions for tender submissions.
- Management of tender documentation.
- Compliance with Group Management Systems.
- Produce and manage subcontractor schedule
- Instigate, monitor and manage bills of quantities production.
- Investigate, identify and present risks and opportunities.
- Produce package enquiry documents and send out market enquiries
- Undertake trade package analysis and make recommendations.
- Presentation of cost summary at tender settlement meeting.
- Completion of relevant sections of the submission – Form of Tender, Clarifications etc.
- Work closely with Design Managers to understand gaps in design information that require pricing and also to identify and evaluate Value Engineering opportunities.
- Successfully submitting a tender on time and to the satisfaction of the Directors.
Key Skills & Experience Required:
- Experience in Conquest, Bidwork and in pricing complex projects over £20m in value.
- Relevant Honours Degree or equivalent
- Proven track record of delivering in this role.
- Considerable industry experience.
- Successful in winning bids.
- Ability to identify risks and opportunities.
- Ability to work under pressure to tight timescales and deadlines.
- Methodical approach to work, with a keenness for detail.
- Ability to work autonomously or within a team.
- A strong understanding of the Microsoft Office software suite, with particular regard to Exel.
- Proficient in the use of estimating software, currently Conquest.
- Proficient in the use of measurement software, currently Bluebeam and Kubla Cubed.
In return we offer:
- 25 days holiday per year, plus 8 bank holidays & Christmas Eve
- Entry into the Group Personal Pension Scheme
- Private Health Insurance (subject to a qualifying period)
- Enhanced family friendly policies (subject to qualifying period)
- Eye care voucher scheme
Bowmer + Kirkland is an equal opportunities employer.
We value and appreciate every single one of our people.
- Market-leading business
- Family-owned company with family values
- Membership of the Bowmer + Kirkland Group Personal Pension and Life Assurance Plan.
- Sponsored training and professional membership
- Membership of the Bowmer + Kirkland Academy – for those undergoing vocational or academic courses
- 25 days annual leave – one extra day after every three years’ service (up to a maximum of five extra days)
- Recognition of long-service with stunning awards
- Paycare medical cash benefit scheme
- Medical insurance afterqualifying period
- Company car (where applicable)
- Cashplan after qualifying period covering optical, dental and other medical cash back
- Access to a benefits website which offers discounts on many things from travel to lifestyle
N.B. All benefits are subject to continuing review and possible change.
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Created on 16/07/2025 by TN United Kingdom
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Estimator, Reading – Southern Region employer: Bowmer + Kirkland
Contact Detail:
Bowmer + Kirkland Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator, Reading – Southern Region
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific estimating software mentioned in the job description, particularly Conquest, Bluebeam, and Kubla Cubed. Having hands-on experience or even completing online tutorials can give you a significant edge during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and estimating field, especially those who have experience with bids over £20m. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to gain insights and potentially get referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous successes in winning bids and managing tender documentation. Be ready to share specific examples that highlight your ability to identify risks and opportunities, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research Bowmer + Kirkland's company culture and values. Understanding their family-owned ethos and commitment to employee welfare can help you tailor your responses in interviews and demonstrate your alignment with their values.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator, Reading – Southern Region
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in estimating, particularly with complex projects over £20m. Include specific examples of successful bids you've worked on and any software proficiency, such as Conquest or Bluebeam.
Craft a Strong Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your enthusiasm for the role and the company. Mention your understanding of the responsibilities, such as managing tender documentation and presenting cost summaries, and how your skills align with these tasks.
Highlight Key Skills: In your application, emphasise your ability to identify risks and opportunities, work under pressure, and your methodical approach to work. These are crucial for the Estimator role and should be clearly articulated.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is essential for an Estimator.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bowmer + Kirkland
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll be dealing with complex figures and cost plans. Brush up on your numerical skills and be prepared to discuss how you approach pricing for projects over £20m. Highlight any specific examples from your past experience.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Software
Make sure you're comfortable with Conquest, Bluebeam, and Kubla Cubed, as these are crucial for the role. If you have experience with these tools, be ready to share how you've used them effectively in previous projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Methodical Approach
The job requires a methodical approach with keen attention to detail. Prepare to explain your process for managing tender documentation and how you ensure compliance with Group Management Systems.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about identifying risks and opportunities in bids. Think of specific scenarios where you've successfully navigated challenges or made recommendations that led to winning bids, and be ready to discuss these in detail.
