At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating and tender management for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Established principal contractor with a strong reputation in refurbishment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, excellent benefits, and long-term career development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and work on diverse projects across the UK.
- Why this job: Take ownership of estimating processes and influence business growth.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in construction estimating and strong technical skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 75000 £ per year.
- Senior Estimator - Construction & Refurbishment
- Salary/Package: £65,000 - £75,000 + Excellent Beneifts Package
- Job Type: Permanent
About the Company
Our client is an established and growing principal contractor specialising in industrial, commercial and education refurbishment projects across the UK.
With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects and building long-standing client relationships, the business undertakes a diverse range of schemes, including industrial refurbishments, warehouse improvements, commercial fit-outs, CAT A and CAT B office projects, roofing and cladding upgrades, and wider building improvement works.
Due to continued growth and an expanding project pipeline, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Estimator to join the team based in Warrington.
The Role
The successful candidate will take a leading role within the estimating and pre-construction function, managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission.
You will be responsible for producing accurate and competitive estimates across a varied portfolio of refurbishment and fit-out projects, working closely with the operational, commercial and senior management teams to develop effective tender strategies and secure new business.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator looking to take ownership of the estimating process within an ambitious contractor, with the opportunity to influence work-winning strategy and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating & Tender Management
- Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tenders across multiple construction and refurbishment projects.
- Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and scope requirements.
- Produce detailed and accurate cost estimates, including labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs.
- Carry out quantity take-offs and measure works from drawings and specifications.
- Manage the tender process from initial enquiry through to submission.
- Prepare detailed tender breakdowns, pricing schedules and supporting documentation.
- Ensure all tenders are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.
- Supply Chain & Procurement
- Prepare and issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors.
- Obtain, review and compare quotations to ensure competitive pricing.
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with the supply chain.
- Negotiate pricing and identify opportunities to improve tender competitiveness.
- Challenge quotations and identify potential gaps, risks or discrepancies.
- Commercial & Risk Management
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities within tender documentation.
- Develop appropriate allowances and pricing strategies.
- Review project requirements and identify potential value engineering opportunities.
- Ensure estimates are commercially robust and reflect the full scope of works.
- Support tender reviews and present estimates to senior management.
- Assist with the handover of successful tenders to the operational and commercial teams.
- Team & Business Development
- Work closely with the senior management, commercial and operational teams.
- Support the development of effective work-winning and estimating strategies.
- Contribute to improving estimating processes and procedures.
- Help identify opportunities to secure new projects and strengthen existing client relationships.
About You
Proven experience as a Senior Estimator or experienced Estimator within the construction industry.
Strong background in refurbishment, fit-out or general building contracting.
Experience pricing industrial, commercial or education projects would be advantageous.
Good understanding of CAT A/B fit-outs, industrial refurbishments and associated building works.
Strong technical ability with experience interpreting drawings and specifications.
Confident producing detailed estimates and undertaking accurate quantity take-offs.
Experience obtaining and negotiating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction costs.
Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
Confident communicating with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and senior management.
What's on Offer?
- Salary of £65,000 - £75,000, depending on experience.
- Additional company package.
- Opportunity to join an established and growing principal contractor.
- Varied portfolio of industrial, commercial and refurbishment projects.
- Senior position with responsibility for leading tender opportunities.
- Opportunity to influence estimating strategy and contribute to business growth.
- Long-term career development.
- Equal Opportunities
Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.
Senior Estimator in England employer: Building Careers UK Ltd
Our client is a leading civil engineering and highways contractor based in Stockport, offering a collaborative work culture and a strong focus on employee development. With a substantial forward order book and long-term framework contracts, employees benefit from exposure to major projects across the North West, competitive salaries, and excellent packages, making it an ideal environment for experienced professionals seeking meaningful career growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in England
✨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 Building Careers UK 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 Senior Estimator at Building Careers UK Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in England
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 Building Careers UK 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!
