At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders for exciting construction projects and influence bid strategies.
- Company: Established contractor delivering diverse projects across the North West and Wales.
- Benefits: Salary up to £75,000, car allowance, hybrid working, and 33 days annual leave.
- Why this job: Join a stable team and shape the future of construction with your expertise.
- Qualifications: 5+ years estimating experience and strong Excel skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth in a supportive and dynamic environment.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A well-established principal contractor delivering residential, commercial, industrial, and public-sector projects across the North West and Wales. The business wins work through accurate first-principles pricing, careful pre-construction planning, and strong supply chain relationships, rather than competing solely on lowest price. With a strong pipeline of secured and upcoming projects, the team is looking to strengthen the pre-construction function with an estimator who can make a meaningful impact on tender strategy and delivery.
This is an exciting opportunity for either:
- An experienced Senior Estimator seeking a stable and flexible environment, or
- A capable Estimator ready to step up into a more senior role.
You will work closely with directors, the commercial team, and project delivery teams to prepare competitive tenders from first principles through to submission and handover. Your contributions will influence bid strategy, risk identification, and value engineering opportunities. Typical project values range from £500K to £8M.
As Senior Construction Estimator, you will be responsible for:
- Preparing accurate and competitive tenders for new build and refurbishment projects
- Pricing work from first principles, understanding construction methodology and sequencing
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, and employer's requirements to identify risks and opportunities
- Managing subcontractor and supplier enquiries to ensure full scope coverage
- Evaluating subcontract returns for commercial and technical compliance
- Participating in tender adjudication meetings with senior management
- Providing a clear and structured handover to the delivery team once projects are secured
The successful Senior Construction Estimator will have:
Experience: Ideally 5+ years estimating with a UK principal contractor
Technical Skills: Strong understanding of construction methodology and cost planning, confidence in pricing from first principles, strong Excel skills, experience with Causeway estimating software is advantageous
Additional Advantages: Knowledge of North West subcontractors and supply chains, strong communication skills when working with consultants, clients, and internal teams
What's on Offer: Salary between £60,000 - £75,000 (depending on experience), car allowance, hybrid working (typically 1-2 days in the office), 33 days annual leave, including bank holidays, long-term opportunity within a stable and growing contractor, a chance to play a key role in shaping tender strategy and the success of the business.
If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.
We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.
Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.
Senior Construction Estimator employer: Building Careers UK
Contact Detail:
Building Careers UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Construction Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the construction industry, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. 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. Understand their tender strategies and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who can make a real impact.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, send a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website for the best chance at landing that Senior Construction Estimator role. We’re all about making connections and helping you find the right fit, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to showcase your skills directly!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Construction Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Construction Estimator role. Highlight your experience with first-principles pricing and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your understanding of construction methodology and your ability to influence bid strategy.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your technical skills, especially your Excel proficiency and any experience with Causeway estimating software. We love seeing candidates who can bring strong analytical skills to the table!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Building Careers UK
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Construction Estimator, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in pricing from first principles. Brush up on your cost planning and construction methodology before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve successfully managed tenders and how you approached pricing.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects the company undertakes, especially in residential, commercial, and public sectors. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in their work. Mention any relevant experience you have with similar project values or methodologies.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to be asked about your technical skills, particularly around Excel and estimating software like Causeway. Prepare examples of how you’ve used these tools in past roles to enhance your efficiency and accuracy in tender preparation.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, highlight your strong communication skills. Think of examples where you’ve effectively collaborated with subcontractors, clients, or internal teams to achieve successful outcomes. This will demonstrate your ability to fit into their collaborative culture.