At a Glance
- Tasks: Generate profitable tenders and support project delivery in a dynamic construction environment.
- Company: Established regional construction business with a strong public sector presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture focused on team wellbeing and continuous learning.
- Why this job: Join a team making a real impact on diverse projects while promoting sustainability.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for main contractors and proficiency in relevant software.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 70000 £ per year.
Job Title
Estimator
Location
Birmingham
Salary
£60,000–£70,000 basic plus package
About the Role
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Estimator to join a well-established regional construction business.
Reporting to the Head of Estimating, you will play a key role in generating profitable tenders, supporting the successful delivery of projects, and contributing to the continued growth of the business.
The construction division delivers regional projects across a wide range of sectors, with contract values typically up to £250m.
Larger projects are delivered through a dedicated strategic projects team.
The business has a strong presence in the public sector, with over 70% of work secured through Government departments, frameworks and long-term client relationships, alongside a growing portfolio of private sector projects.
Projects include the use of off-site construction, digital technologies and sustainable construction practices, with a continued focus on reducing carbon, improving productivity and delivering high-quality outcomes.
Key sectors include
- Education
- Healthcare
- Defence
- Custodial
- Aviation
- Bioscience
Key Responsibilities
- Support the generation of tenders by preparing accurate cost estimates and resource requirements.
- Guide junior members of the estimating team by promoting best practice.
- Support the successful winning of contracts while minimising risk and maximising profitability.
- Assess, prepare, validate, adjudicate and submit tenders.
- Negotiate with suppliers and subcontractors to secure competitive quotations.
- Support value engineering initiatives throughout the tender process.
- Liaise with design, planning, commercial and bid management teams.
- Produce accurate cost estimates to meet or exceed client requirements.
- Build and maintain strong commercial relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, suppliers and subcontractors throughout the tender process.
- Participate in project handovers to procurement, commercial and project delivery teams.
- Identify and coordinate internal and external resources required for tenders.
- Produce regular reports and forecasting information.
- Use proprietary take-off software to measure quantities and prepare cost plans.
- Produce cost plans to support early client engagement and budget validation.
- Experience Required
- Experience working for a Main Contractor, ideally Tier 2 or above.
- Experience using Excel, take-off software and estimating systems such as Conquest.
- Experience independently tendering projects through single-stage, two-stage and negotiated procurement routes.
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent attention to detail.
- A conscientious and methodical approach to work.
- Behaviours
The successful candidate will demonstrate the ability to
- Communicate clearly, openly and effectively with colleagues.
- Encourage collaboration and knowledge sharing across teams.
- Support and develop junior team members.
- Build strong relationships internally and externally.
- Promote a positive and proactive approach to health and safety.
- Understand the wider impact of construction on communities and the environment.
- Foster an inclusive working environment where diversity of thought, background and experience is valued.
- Encourage team wellbeing and recognise success while promoting continuous learning.
This job description is not exhaustive, and additional duties may be required in line with the responsibilities of the role.
Full training and support will be provided where necessary.
Estimator in Birmingham employer: Edge Careers
Edge Careers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises health, safety, and quality across its multi-site construction environment in the Midlands. Employees benefit from comprehensive mentorship opportunities, a commitment to professional growth, and the chance to make a significant impact on company culture and operational excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Birmingham
✨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 Edge Careers, 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 at Edge Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Birmingham
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 Edge Careers
✨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!