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- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders and cost plans for major UK projects valued £20m-£100m+.
- Company: Join a tier-one main contractor with over 70 years of experience in sustainable developments.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, ongoing training, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Work on landmark projects and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Proven estimating experience with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with support for professional development and growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working with a well-established tier-one main contractor with over 70 years' experience delivering high-quality, sustainable developments across the UK and Ireland. The business has a strong reputation for innovation, integrity and long-term client relationships, operating across residential, commercial, education, healthcare and mixed-use sectors. In the UK, the company is currently delivering landmark, high-profile schemes, including large-scale residential-led developments with heritage restoration, mixed-use high-rise projects, and complex urban regeneration schemes in London and the South East.
Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint a Mid-Senior Estimator to join their expanding UK pre-construction team.
The Role
As Estimator, you will play a key role in the preparation of competitive tenders and cost plans for projects typically valued between £20m and £100m+. You will be involved from early-stage cost planning through to final tender submission, working closely with design, planning and delivery teams to produce commercially robust bids. This role offers excellent exposure to major UK projects and clear progression within a growing pre-construction function.
Key Responsibilities
- Review and assess tender documentation for completeness and risk.
- Prepare take-offs, quantities and cost plans (CostX or similar – training available).
- Break down tender packages and identify appropriate subcontractors and suppliers.
- Issue enquiries, analyse returns and undertake detailed subcontract comparisons.
- Identify gaps in subcontract pricing and manage risk allowances.
- Collaborate with design, planning and project teams on preliminaries, logistics and programme impacts.
- Identify and clearly communicate risks, opportunities, assumptions and exclusions.
- Contribute to tender reports, cost plans and commercial submissions.
- Develop value engineering and alternative specification options.
- Attend tender meetings, mid-bid reviews and settlement meetings.
- Prepare clarifications and respond to post-tender queries.
- Support handover and mobilisation on successful bids.
Skills & Experience
- Proven experience as an Estimator with a main contractor (UK or Irish market).
- Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement routes and tendering processes.
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contract documentation.
- Experience producing take-offs, measurements and bills of quantities.
- Strong capability in analysing subcontract quotations and identifying scope gaps.
- Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Comfortable working with incomplete or evolving design information.
- Excellent attention to detail and numeracy skills.
- Highly organised, able to manage multiple tenders and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and collaborative approach.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Clear career progression and long-term development opportunities.
- Ongoing training, CPD and professional development support.
- Opportunity to work on major, high-profile UK projects.
- Collaborative, forward-thinking and supportive working environment.
Senior Estimator employer: Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
Contact Detail:
Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with industry professionals! Attend construction events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Estimator role.
✨Showcase Your Skills
When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience with cost planning and tender submissions. We want to see how your skills align with their projects, so share specific examples of your past successes in estimating and managing risks.
✨Prepare for Interviews
Do your homework before any interview! Research the company’s recent projects and be ready to discuss how your expertise can contribute to their success. We recommend preparing some thoughtful questions about their approach to large-scale developments to show you’re genuinely interested.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website for the best chance at landing that job! We streamline the application process, making it easier for you to showcase your talents directly to the hiring team. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining their ranks!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience with large-scale projects and any relevant skills that match the job description. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background aligns with our values of innovation and integrity. Let us know what makes you the perfect fit!
Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your experience, focus on your work with main contractors and any specific projects that relate to the £20m-£100m range. We love seeing concrete examples of your skills in action!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numeracy skills. Brush up on your ability to interpret drawings and specifications, and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed cost plans in previous roles. Bring examples of your take-offs and measurements to showcase your experience.
✨Understand the Tender Process
Familiarise yourself with the tendering processes specific to the UK construction market. Be prepared to discuss how you assess tender documentation for completeness and risk. Highlight any experience you have with CostX or similar software, as this will show you're ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role requires a collaborative approach, so think of examples where you've worked closely with design, planning, and delivery teams. Be ready to explain how you communicate risks and opportunities effectively, and how you've contributed to successful bids in the past.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions about construction methods and procurement routes. Brush up on your knowledge of current trends in the industry, especially regarding large-scale projects. Being able to discuss value engineering and alternative specifications will set you apart from other candidates.
