Estimator in Castledawson

Location: Castledawson Depot

Working Hours: Mon - Fri, 08:00 - 17:00

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 and benefits package in line with experience, 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 support 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.

Key Activities / Responsibilities:

• 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.
• Build and maintain strong client and supply chain relationships.
• 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.

Please note an AccessNI Disclosure Check will be required for this position. A criminal record will not necessarily be a bar to obtaining a position. CFM LTD (Responsible Body) have policies on Recruitment of Ex-Offenders and Secure Handling, Use, Storage and Retention of Disclosure Information, copies of which can be made available upon request.