At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating function and produce competitive cost estimates for exciting retail fit-out projects.
- Company: Join a specialist fit-out business known for delivering high-quality projects for premium brands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for professional growth, and a chance to influence business strategy.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commercial pricing using AI technologies and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or quantity surveying within retail fit-out or construction sectors.
Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Commercial Pricing Lead to play a pivotal role in shaping and enhancing its commercial pricing capability. This is an exciting opportunity to join a specialist fit-out business delivering high-quality projects for premium retail and commercial brands.
The successful candidate will be responsible not only for producing accurate and commercially competitive estimates but also for driving continuous improvement in pricing processes, supplier performance and future pricing technology. The role offers the opportunity to influence business strategy by transforming estimating into a data-driven, scalable function supported by emerging AI technologies.
The Role
Reporting into the senior leadership team, the successful candidate will take ownership of the estimating function, ensuring tenders are competitively priced while protecting project profitability. Working closely with operational teams, business development and the supply chain, the role combines traditional estimating responsibilities with strategic commercial thinking and continuous process improvement.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare accurate and commercially competitive cost estimates for retail fit-out and refurbishment projects.
- Review drawings, specifications and project documentation to develop comprehensive pricing submissions.
- Balance competitiveness with commercial risk and margin objectives.
- Develop, maintain and improve pricing models, estimating templates and benchmarking systems.
- Standardise pricing methodologies to improve consistency and forecasting accuracy.
- Support commercial decision-making by producing alternative pricing scenarios and risk assessments.
- Build and maintain strong supplier and subcontractor relationships while continuously reviewing cost competitiveness and performance.
- Analyse completed projects to compare estimated versus actual costs, identifying trends and opportunities for continuous improvement.
- Contribute to the development of AI-enabled estimating tools and data-driven pricing systems to improve speed, consistency and commercial performance.
Key Performance Indicators
- Tender conversion rates
- Margin accuracy between estimate and final project outcome
- Overall project profitability
- Estimating turnaround times
- Continuous development and adoption of standardised pricing systems and commercial best practice
Candidate Profile
- Significant experience as an Estimator or Quantity Surveyor within the retail fit-out, interiors or construction sectors.
- A proven track record of producing successful competitive tenders while maintaining strong commercial margins.
- Experience working closely with subcontractors and supply chain partners to achieve best-value procurement.
- Strong commercial awareness and the ability to assess risk alongside cost.
- Advanced Excel and estimating software skills.
- An interest in data analysis, process improvement and emerging AI technologies within commercial functions.
Personal Attributes
- Strong commercial judgement and attention to detail.
- A systems-focused approach, with the ability to improve processes rather than simply complete tasks.
- Confidence to challenge assumptions and identify opportunities to improve value.
- Analytical, data-driven decision-making.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A collaborative approach with the ability to build trusted relationships across operational, commercial and leadership teams.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator looking to progress into a strategically influential role within a growing specialist contractor, where they can help shape the future of commercial pricing while working on prestigious fit-out projects across the UK.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator/Quantity Surveyor
✨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 Cityscape Recruitment, 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/Quantity Surveyor at Cityscape Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator/Quantity Surveyor
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 Cityscape Recruitment
✨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!
