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- Tasks: Calculate project costs and support the sales team in delivering successful bids.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: 24 days holiday, private medical, quarterly bonuses, and generous pension.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on exciting construction projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and 5 years' experience in estimating or cost management.
- Other info: Flexible work environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Job Description
Hours: 7:30am – 4:30pm, Monday to FridayLocation: Reading
Our client is seeking a detail-oriented and commercially aware Estimator to assist their sales team in delivering complex sales quotes effectively and efficiently. You will play a key role in calculating accurate project costings, ensuring bids are competitive, profitable, and achievable within time and budget constraints.
Key Responsibilities
- Accurately calculate and prepare project costings to support the sales team in securing and delivering successful projects.
- Budgeting, building, and checking schedules of rates, and approximating build costs.
- Attend pre-budget meetings and site visits to establish accurate cost estimates.
- Coordinate with the sales team to ensure upcoming projects are scheduled in advance for optimal costing practices.
- Identify and report any risks that may affect projected costs or time estimates.
- Verify take-offs to ensure accuracy.
- Oversee the smooth handover from bid stage to project execution, liaising with internal teams and stakeholders.
- Manage and maintain all relevant documentation, including quotes, presentations, and data, in line with GDPR and corporate governance standards.
Qualifications & Experience
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Estimating, or a related discipline.
- Minimum 5 years' progressive experience in estimating or cost management within construction, with demonstrable results.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, technologies, and materials (glass, steel, aluminium, powder coatings).
- Experience working on commercial building projects.
- Full UK Driving Licence (clean preferred).
Skills & Competencies
- Ability to meet project objectives within agreed constraints.
- Proficiency in preparing bid presentations (PowerPoint).
- Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent record-keeping, organisational, and time management abilities.
- Exceptional communication and negotiation skills.
- High commercial awareness and meticulous attention to detail.
- Flexible approach to managing changing priorities.
Benefits:
- Holiday – 24 days
- Private medical – After probation
- Passionate about involvement in good causes
- Discretionary quarterly bonus (up to 10% of salary p/a)
- Lunch provided to all staff when in the office
- Parking
- Generous pension – employer pay employee contributions
- Option to opt in for a lease car
- Annual entitlement to buy/sell holiday (up to 3 days) every Jan only
- Employee assistance program
Estimator employer: Focus Resourcing
Contact Detail:
Focus Resourcing Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with potential employers on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or be able to refer you directly.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to highlight your experience in estimating and cost management, showing how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or family to build confidence. Focus on articulating your skills in budgeting, project costing, and risk management clearly and concisely.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates. Plus, it’s super easy!
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your experience in calculating project costings and any relevant qualifications. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects you've worked on and how you’ve successfully managed costs in the past.
Show Off Your Attention to Detail: As an Estimator, attention to detail is key. In your application, make sure to showcase examples where your meticulous nature has led to successful outcomes. We love candidates who can spot the little things!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Focus Resourcing
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to calculate project costings accurately. Brush up on your maths skills and be prepared to discuss how you approach budgeting and estimating costs. Bring examples of past projects where your estimates led to successful bids.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Construction Methods
Make sure you have a solid understanding of construction methods, technologies, and materials relevant to the role. Research common materials like glass, steel, and aluminium, and be ready to discuss how they impact cost estimates. This knowledge will show your commercial awareness and attention to detail.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage risks. Think of scenarios where you've had to adjust estimates due to unforeseen circumstances. Prepare to explain your thought process and how you ensured project objectives were still met.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As you'll be liaising with various teams, it's crucial to demonstrate your exceptional communication abilities. Practice explaining complex concepts in simple terms and be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully coordinated with sales teams in the past. This will highlight your teamwork and negotiation skills.
