At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare detailed cost estimates for exciting construction projects in civil engineering and rail.
- Company: Join CML, a friendly and inclusive company focused on investing in people.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, hybrid working, generous holiday, and excellent training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to continuous professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: HNC/HND/Degree in Civil Engineering or related field, or equivalent experience.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
CML are looking for an experienced Estimator to join our commercial team, based from our Head Office in Leeds.
Your Responsibilities
- Preparation of detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for Civil Engineering, Rail, Infrastructure, Marine, and multidisciplinary construction projects.
- Development of estimates using first principles and bottom-up estimating methodologies including labour, plant, material, subcontract, logistics, and productivity outputs.
- Preparation and derivation of Schedule of Rates (SoR) based upon resource build-ups, productivity analysis, and construction methodologies.
- Undertake detailed quantity take-offs from drawings, specifications, and technical documentation using manual and digital measurement techniques.
- Review and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, contracts, bills of quantities, schedules, and scope documentation.
- Assist in the development of construction methodologies, sequencing, possession strategies, access arrangements, and temporary works considerations.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors, suppliers, and specialist providers to support competitive tender submissions.
- Identify commercial, technical, operational, and programme-related risks and contribute towards tender risk assessments and mitigation strategies.
- Prepare tender adjudication documents, clarifications, assumptions, qualifications, and supporting commercial information.
- Collaborate with operational, engineering, planning, and commercial teams to ensure estimates are practical, buildable, and aligned with project delivery requirements.
- Assist in the maintenance and development of estimating databases, benchmark rates, historical cost data, and pricing libraries.
- Support value engineering exercises and alternative construction proposals to improve project efficiency and competitiveness.
- Develop a working understanding of NEC contracts, framework requirements, and client-specific commercial arrangements.
- Participate in tender review meetings, handover meetings, and post-tender negotiations where required.
- Ensure compliance with company Integrated Management Systems, quality procedures, and relevant industry standards.
- Maintain a proactive approach towards continuous professional development and technical improvement within the estimating function.
Person Specification
Qualifications
- HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Quantity Surveying or related discipline, or equivalent practical estimating experience.
Skills / Competencies
- Strong numerical and analytical capability.
- Ability to prepare first principles and bottom-up estimates.
- Competent in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
- Good communication and organisational skills.
Experience / Knowledge
- Understanding of Civil Engineering and/or Rail construction methodologies.
- Ability to interpret engineering drawings and specifications.
- Knowledge of resource-based estimating principles.
The Package
- Competitive Pay
- A collaborative and friendly working culture, focussed on investing in people
- Up to 25 days holiday + Statutory Bank Holidays
- Hybrid working, depending on business needs (after probation)
- Company Sick Pay
- Annual professional subscription costs
- Excellent training & development opportunities, provided by our award nominated in house Training team
- Paid Volunteering days and Charity events
- Annual Flu Jabs
- Employee Assistance Programmes for advice and counselling
- Access to a committed Mental Health First Aider team
- Company Pension and Death in Service scheme of 2x annual salary
- A generous Employee Referral scheme of £1000 per successful hire
At CML we are committed to creating a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture where everyone can be themselves and reach their full potential, not only because this is the right thing to do, but because it makes us a better business. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and experiences and all applicants will be considered purely on their merits and potential, regardless of where they are from, their age or gender, their lifestyle choices, their beliefs or what disability they may have. We’re also striving to be a Disability Confident employer and we’ll try our best to adapt the process and offer a reasonable alternative to help support people with disabilities apply and interview for roles.
Estimator - Leeds employer: CML
CML is an exceptional employer located in Leeds, offering a collaborative and friendly work culture that prioritises the investment in its people. With competitive pay, generous holiday allowances, and extensive training and development opportunities, employees are encouraged to grow and thrive within the company. Additionally, CML's commitment to diversity and inclusion ensures that all team members can be themselves and reach their full potential, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator - Leeds
✨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 CML, 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 - Leeds at CML.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator - Leeds
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 CML
✨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!
