At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for tenders and live projects, ensuring accurate cost estimates.
- Company: Join a dynamic company with offices in Derry, Mallusk & Castledawson.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, healthcare cash plan, life assurance, and exclusive member discounts.
- Other info: Flexible work locations and a supportive environment for personal and professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team, contributing to project success and cost-saving opportunities.
- Qualifications: Level 3 qualification in Construction or related field; 3+ years experience in estimating.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
This is a permanent full-time, Northern Ireland based role, with offices in Derry, Mallusk & Castledawson. The successful applicant will be able to operate from any of these locations. On offer is a competitive salary in line with experience and benefits package, including Healthcare Cash Plan, Life Assurance, Family Friendly policies, and exclusive member discounts.
Role Overview: Reporting to the Core Services Director, the Estimator will take the lead on estimating and will play a key role in supporting the commercial and operational teams by preparing accurate cost estimates for both tenders and live projects. They will assist in developing competitive bids, ensuring pricing accuracy, and analysing project costs to support financial control. Working closely with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders, the Estimator will contribute to the company’s success by identifying cost-saving opportunities, mitigating risks, and maintaining robust cost data. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work within tight deadlines to ensure the successful delivery of bids and ongoing project profitability.
- Bid Estimation Responsibilities:
- Tender Preparation: Assist in the preparation of tender submissions, ensuring accurate cost estimates and compliance with bid requirements.
- Quantity Take-offs: Perform material and labour quantity take-offs from drawings, specifications, and site visits.
- Pricing & Cost Analysis: Develop cost estimates by gathering data on materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractors.
- Supplier & Subcontractor Enquiries: Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors for competitive pricing.
- Risk Assessment: Identify and assess potential project risks and incorporate contingency allowances where necessary.
- Bid Documentation: Assist in compiling bid submissions, including pricing summaries, methodology statements, and commercial documentation.
- Value Engineering: Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative solutions to improve bid competitiveness.
- Live Project Estimating Responsibilities:
- Cost Control: Preparation and monitoring of project costs against initial estimates and budgets, identifying variances and potential cost-saving measures.
- Re-measurements & Variations: Conduct re-measurements and assist in the preparation of variations and change orders.
- Subcontractor & Supplier Costing: Assist in reviewing and negotiating subcontractor and supplier costs for ongoing projects.
- Progress Evaluations: Support project managers in tracking work progress and assessing cost implications.
- Data Management: Maintain an up-to-date database of historical costs, rates, and benchmarking data for future estimates.
- Reporting & Forecasting: Assist in preparing cost reports, forecasting final project costs, and identifying commercial risks.
- General Duties:
- Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, procurement, and operations teams to ensure cost accuracy and project profitability.
- Industry Research: Keep up to date with market trends, material costs, and industry best practices.
- Process Improvement: Support the development and improvement of estimating processes and tools.
- Compliance: Ensure all estimating activities align with company policies, contract requirements, and regulatory standards.
Education / Experience:
- Essential Criteria: Level 3 qualification or above in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, or a related discipline.
- Proven experience leading estimating and pricing functions in construction, facilities management, or a related industry (3+ years experience in a similar role).
- Estimating and Tender bid preparation experience.
- Commercially and operationally aware on delivery of works.
- Strong commercial attitude and excellent communication skills.
- Knowledge and understanding of sub-contractor management.
- Experience operating within a fast-paced construction industry.
- Desirable Criteria:
- Experience of NEC suite of contracts.
- Experience of Public sector and housing contracts.
- Experience in use of estimating software such as Conquest / Causeway.
Skills / Competencies:
- Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage client relationships.
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.
- Ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines.
- Enthusiastic and result driven with excellent attention to detail.
- Strong planning and organisation skills with good problem-solving skills.
- IT literate with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office packages.
Estimator employer: Combined Facilities Management Ltd
CFM is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture in the heart of Northern Ireland's construction sector. With a focus on health, safety, quality, and environmental standards, employees benefit from ongoing training, clear career progression, and a supportive environment that values innovation and reliability. The comprehensive benefits package, including health and wellbeing support, life assurance, and retail discounts, further enhances the rewarding experience of working at CFM.
Contact Details:
Combined Facilities Management Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific estimating software mentioned in the job description, such as Conquest or Causeway. Having hands-on experience with these tools can give you a significant edge during the interview process.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company’s recent projects and their approach to cost estimation. Being able to discuss their work and how you can contribute will demonstrate your genuine interest and understanding of their operations.
✨Tip Number 3
Network with professionals in the construction industry, especially those who have experience in estimating roles. They can provide insights into the role and may even refer you to opportunities within their networks.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your experience with risk assessment and cost control in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've identified cost-saving opportunities in past projects, as this aligns closely with the responsibilities of the Estimator role.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in estimating and tender preparation. Emphasise your qualifications in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or Estimating, and showcase any specific projects where you've successfully led estimating functions.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Write a cover letter that directly addresses the responsibilities of the Estimator role. Mention your analytical skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure. Use specific examples from your past experience to demonstrate how you meet the job requirements.
Highlight Relevant Skills:In your application, clearly outline your skills related to cost analysis, risk assessment, and supplier management. Mention any experience with estimating software like Conquest or Causeway, as well as your understanding of subcontractor management.
Showcase Industry Knowledge:Demonstrate your awareness of current market trends and material costs in your application. This shows that you are proactive and knowledgeable about the industry, which is crucial for the Estimator role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Combined Facilities Management Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on your knowledge of cost estimation, pricing strategies, and how to perform quantity take-offs. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed project costs.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires excellent communication skills, especially when working with suppliers and subcontractors. During the interview, highlight instances where you've effectively communicated complex information or negotiated costs. This will show that you're capable of building strong relationships within the team.
✨Demonstrate Industry Knowledge
Stay updated on market trends and material costs relevant to the construction industry. Bring up recent developments or challenges you've encountered in your previous roles. This shows your commitment to continuous learning and your ability to adapt to changes in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities and risk assessment skills. Think of examples where you've identified cost-saving opportunities or mitigated risks in past projects. This will help illustrate your practical experience and strategic thinking.
