Estimator / Senior Estimator (Construction)

Estimator / Senior Estimator (Construction)

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
BuildSpace Group

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead cost estimates and tender submissions for exciting construction projects.
  • Company: Award-winning design and build company with a people-first culture.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and the chance to work on creative projects.
  • Other info: Join a dynamic team and work on projects for top UK brands.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in a key role that drives business growth.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commercial estimating and strong understanding of construction methods.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

Our client is a turnkey design and build company part of an award-winning, integrated design, project management and construction group specialising in the commercial fit-out market. From ambitious scale-ups to global blue-chip organisations, our client delivers inspiring workplaces from initial brief through to handover, combining creative design with rigorous construction delivery.

With a strong and growing pipeline of Cat A and Cat B projects across London, we are looking for a talented Senior Estimator to join our pre-construction team. This is a key commercial role that sits at the heart of how this company wins and delivers work; someone who can price with precision, think strategically, and build strong relationships with clients, consultants and the supply chain.

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Senior Estimator will take ownership of the full estimating function, leading the pricing of new opportunities from early-stage budgets through to fully detailed tender submissions. You will work closely with the design, project management and commercial teams to produce competitive, buildable and commercially sound bids playing a central role in continued growth of the business.

  • Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for D&B fit-out projects, typically ranging from £500k to £10m+ in value.
  • Develop and maintain a structured approach to estimating that reflects the company seven-stage delivery process and quality standards.
  • Review tender documents, contract conditions and scope of works to identify risk, opportunity and any clarifications required prior to submission.
  • Manage the subcontractor and supplier enquiry process identifying suitable partners, issuing enquiries, analysing returns and making recommendations.
  • Build and maintain a robust, reliable supply chain database of preferred subcontractors across all key trades relevant to commercial fit-out.
  • Negotiate package prices with subcontractors and suppliers to achieve best value without compromising quality or programme requirements.

Commercial & Financial

  • Produce detailed cost plans and cashflow forecasts to support project go/no-go decisions and client presentations.
  • Maintain a live database of unit rates, benchmarking data and cost intelligence to ensure pricing remains competitive and current.
  • Contribute to post-tender and post-project reviews, feeding cost learnings back into the estimating function to continuously improve accuracy.
  • Support the Commercial Director with fee proposals, prelims build-ups and overhead/profit strategies on individual bids.
  • Attend pre-construction meetings, site surveys and client briefings to gain a thorough understanding of project requirements before pricing commences.
  • Collaborate with Project Managers on handover of won projects, ensuring cost assumptions and risk allowances are clearly communicated.
  • Present estimates and tender submissions confidently to clients, responding to queries and negotiating commercial positions where required.
  • Represent the business professionally in all pre-construction and tender-stage communications, in line with the business's values of quality, integrity and accountability.

Significant experience in a commercial estimating role within the fit-out or interior construction sector, with a strong preference for D&B project experience. A proven track record of pricing Cat A and Cat B commercial fit-out projects from budget through to detailed tender stage. Highly proficient in industry-standard estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Conquest, Bluebeam or similar) and Microsoft Excel. Excellent understanding of construction methods, materials, specifications and subcontract trade packages relevant to commercial interiors. Sound knowledge of JCT and D&B contract forms, with the ability to review and price risk within contract conditions. A degree or HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline is desirable.

A high-profile commercial role with direct influence on the growth of the business and project pipeline. A people-first culture built on quality, integrity, accountability and working together. Competitive salary and package commensurate with experience. The opportunity to work on creative, award-winning projects for some of the UK's most recognised brands and organisations. Clear career development pathways within growing commercial team.

Estimator / Senior Estimator (Construction) employer: BuildSpace Group

Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where creativity meets precision in the commercial fit-out sector. With a strong focus on employee growth and a people-first culture, team members are encouraged to develop their skills while working on award-winning projects for prestigious clients across London. The company provides competitive salaries, clear career development pathways, and the opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping inspiring workplaces.

BuildSpace Group

Contact Details:

BuildSpace Group Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Estimator / Senior Estimator (Construction)

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 BuildSpace Group, 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 / Senior Estimator (Construction) at BuildSpace Group.

We think you need these skills to ace Estimator / Senior Estimator (Construction)

Cost Estimation
Tender Submission Preparation
Commercial Awareness
Risk Assessment
Supplier Negotiation
Database Management
Project Cost Planning

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 BuildSpace Group

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!