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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare detailed estimates for complex architectural and interior projects.
- Company: Join a niche business delivering prestigious projects across the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Gain exposure to intricate designs and enhance your technical skills.
- Why this job: Transition from design to commercial roles while impacting high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Degree in Civil or Structural Engineering with strong drawing experience.
- Other info: Ideal for detail-driven individuals seeking a long-term career in estimating.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are looking for a Technical Estimator with strong technical and drawing-based experience, ideally qualified as a Structural Engineer or Architect, to join this niche business delivering some of the most challenging and intricate projects across the architectural, interiors and heritage building sectors. Working here provides exposure to some of the most prestigious and technically demanding projects in the UK and Europe.
The Opportunity
As Technical Estimator, you will transition from a technical design background into a commercial role, supporting the intersection of design, engineering and commercial decision-making. You will deliver the estimating process for complex, bespoke construction packages. A deep understanding of drawings, details, materials and construction methodology is essential.
Key Responsibilities of the Technical Estimator
- Technical and Design-Led Estimating
- Prepare technically robust estimates for complex architectural and interior projects.
- Carry out detailed drawing take-offs from architectural, structural and specialist design packages.
- Interrogate drawings and specifications to understand design intent, buildability, tolerances, interfaces and sequencing.
- Identify technical risks, assumptions, exclusions and opportunities at tender stage.
- Engage in early-stage design development, providing cost and buildability feedback.
- Develop accurate cost plans, bills of quantities and tender submissions.
- Build and maintain Excel-based estimating models and cost databases.
- Analyse supplier and subcontractor quotations, ensuring technical and commercial alignment.
- Support value engineering without compromising design integrity or craftsmanship.
- Contribute to commercial strategy and tender negotiations.
Qualifications and Experience
- Degree-qualified in Civil or Structural Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Strong experience working with construction drawings, technical detailing and specifications.
- Proven ability to undertake detailed and accurate quantity take-offs.
- Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel for cost modelling and data analysis.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies and materials.
- Excellent technical judgement and problem-solving skills.
- Familiarity with bespoke or design-led construction environments.
Ideal Candidate Profile
- Technically minded and detail-driven, with a strong grounding in drawings and design.
- Commercially curious and motivated to build a long-term career in estimating and commercial management.
- Comfortable constructively challenging design information to improve buildability and cost certainty.
- Organised, analytical and confident working with complex technical information.
- Values craftsmanship, quality and precision.
If you have not received a response within five working days, you have not been successful on this occasion.
Technical Estimator in Reading employer: Gibson Search
Contact Detail:
Gibson Search Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Technical Estimator in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and engage with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Technical Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of construction methodologies. We recommend practising common interview questions related to estimating and drawing interpretation. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher, but someone who truly understands the intricacies of the projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation for the opportunity. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role. We believe a little courtesy goes a long way!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply directly through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and ready to take on those complex architectural challenges head-on.
We think you need these skills to ace Technical Estimator in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Make sure to highlight your technical and drawing-based experience in your application. We want to see how your background as a Structural Engineer or Architect aligns with the role of Technical Estimator, so don’t hold back on showcasing your expertise!
Be Detail-Oriented: Since this role requires a strong understanding of drawings and specifications, ensure your application reflects your attention to detail. Use specific examples from your past work to demonstrate how you’ve successfully interpreted complex designs and managed technical risks.
Excel at Excel: Given that advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is crucial for this position, make sure to mention any relevant experience you have with cost modelling and data analysis. If you’ve built estimating models or databases before, let us know!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for the best chance of success. It’s the easiest way for us to keep track of your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gibson Search
✨Know Your Drawings Inside Out
As a Technical Estimator, you’ll need to demonstrate your understanding of architectural and structural drawings. Before the interview, spend time reviewing relevant projects and be prepared to discuss specific details, such as buildability and tolerances. This will show that you can interrogate drawings effectively.
✨Showcase Your Technical Judgement
Be ready to talk about past experiences where you identified technical risks or opportunities during the estimating process. Use examples that highlight your problem-solving skills and how you’ve contributed to cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality.
✨Excel is Your Best Friend
Since advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel is crucial for this role, brush up on your skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you've used Excel for cost modelling and data analysis in previous roles. If possible, bring along examples of your work to showcase your capabilities.
✨Engage with Commercial Strategy
Understand the commercial aspects of estimating and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to tender negotiations and value engineering. Show that you’re not just technically minded but also commercially curious, which is key for a long-term career in this field.