Senior Estimator/Cost Planner

Senior Estimator/Cost Planner

Full-Time 65000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Building Careers UK

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cost planning and estimating for exciting new projects in the construction sector.
  • Company: Join a well-established developer/contractor with a strong growth trajectory.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, and a key role in project decisions.
  • Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
  • Why this job: Shape early-stage developments and make a real impact in the construction industry.
  • Qualifications: Experience in estimating or cost planning, especially in housebuilding or contracting.

The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Opportunity

We are partnering with a well-established and expanding £40m turnover Developer / Contractor to recruit a Senior Estimator / Cost Planner to join their Warrington-based team. With a strong and growing pipeline, this is a key appointment within the Pre-Construction function, offering the opportunity to take ownership of projects and play a pivotal role in shaping early-stage development decisions.

The Role

As a Senior Estimator, you will lead on cost planning and estimating activities from initial land appraisal through to tender stage, ensuring accuracy, commercial viability, and alignment with project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead preparation of cost appraisals for new land opportunities
  • Undertake detailed take-offs and produce comprehensive cost plans and feasibility studies
  • Analyse drawings and specifications to develop accurate and competitive estimates
  • Manage and contribute to tender submissions, including pricing strategies and documentation
  • Work closely with Land, Technical, Design and Commercial teams
  • Oversee and maintain cost databases and benchmarking information
  • Provide leadership and guidance to junior team members where required

About You

  • Proven experience in a Senior Estimating or Cost Planning role
  • Background within housebuilding, development or main contracting
  • Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction methodologies
  • Advanced proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office
  • Excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills
  • Ability to work both independently and collaboratively
  • Strong new-build housing exposure
  • Wider construction sector tendering experience

What you get in return

  • Competitive salary of £65,000 – £80,000
  • Key role within a growing and stable pre-construction team
  • Opportunity to influence early-stage project and land decisions
  • Long-term progression within a well-backed contractor/developer

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.

Senior Estimator/Cost Planner employer: Building Careers UK

Join a dynamic and expanding developer/contractor in Warrington, where your expertise as a Senior Estimator/Cost Planner will be valued and impactful. With a competitive salary and a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead critical projects and influence early-stage development decisions. This role not only offers stability within a thriving team but also paves the way for long-term career progression in a company committed to diversity and equal opportunities.
Building Careers UK

Contact Detail:

Building Careers UK Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator/Cost Planner

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local construction events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your past projects, cost plans, and any successful tenders you've managed. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of current market trends. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of cost planning and estimating.

✨Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to submit your application and get noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our exciting projects.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator/Cost Planner

Cost Planning
Estimating
Land Appraisal
Detailed Take-offs
Feasibility Studies
Tender Submissions
Pricing Strategies
Cost Databases Management
Leadership
Analytical Skills
Organisational Skills
Communication Skills
Estimating Software Proficiency
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Commercial Awareness

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in cost planning and estimating, especially in housebuilding or main contracting. 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 our team. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Software Skills: Since advanced proficiency in estimating software is key, make sure to mention any relevant tools you’ve used. We love seeing candidates who are tech-savvy and can hit the ground running with our systems!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother 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 Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning. Brush up on your knowledge of cost appraisals and be ready to discuss specific examples from your past work. Show how you’ve ensured accuracy and commercial viability in your estimates.

✨Understand the Project Lifecycle

Familiarise yourself with the stages of project development, especially from land appraisal to tender stage. Be prepared to explain how your role fits into this process and how you can influence early-stage decisions effectively.

✨Showcase Your Software Skills

Make sure you’re comfortable discussing the estimating software you’ve used. Highlight any advanced proficiency you have, as well as how you’ve leveraged technology to improve accuracy and efficiency in your previous roles.

✨Collaborate and Communicate

Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Emphasise your communication skills and how they’ve helped you lead projects or guide junior team members.

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