At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for housing projects, ensuring accuracy and profitability.
- Company: Gilbert & Goode, a respected housebuilder in Cornwall and Devon.
- Benefits: 27 days holiday, flexible work, health plan, and professional development.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a community-first approach.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by shaping high-quality homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating within construction and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Gilbert & Goode is a leading South West housebuilder, renowned for delivering high-quality homes and creating thriving, sustainable communities across Cornwall and Devon. Founded in 1972, we have over 50 years experience in building inspiring places to live and providing outstanding customer experiences recognised by our 2026 In-house Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction. As part of Ocean Housing since 2005, we reinvest our success to help deliver affordable housing and strengthen the communities we serve. Our work is driven by thoughtful design, sustainability, and close collaboration with local partners to create places that genuinely make a difference.
We are seeking a talented Senior Estimator to provide an accurate, efficient and commercially focused estimating service across our development and contracting pipelines. Reporting to the Commercial Operations Director, you'll play a critical role in ensuring our schemes remain competitive, viable and profitable. You'll work collaboratively across Land, Technical, Sales and Build teams, influencing decisions from initial land appraisals through to detailed tenders and delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the estimating function, ensuring all viability appraisals are accurate and up to date
- Produce cost plans from initial land opportunities through to board-approved budgets
- Prepare competitive tenders and develop tender strategies
- Identify, analyse and manage risks and opportunities within projects
- Seek and negotiate competitive quotations from the supply chain
- Work closely with Technical teams to achieve cost-effective design solutions
- Produce clear reports, cost workbooks and tender documentation
- Chair and contribute to tender meetings and decision-making processes
- Maintain and develop the company’s live build cost data library
- Monitor industry trends and provide cost intelligence to the business
About You
Essential Skills & Experience:
- Significant experience as an estimator within the housebuilding or construction sector
- Strong knowledge of general contracting and cost planning
- Proven ability to deliver profitable outcomes and manage financial performance
- Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Office packages
- Excellent organisational, time management and analytical skills
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to manage risk and present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders
Qualifications:
- HNC (or Level 5 equivalent) in Building Construction or equivalent
- Desirable: Degree (Level 6) in Construction or related discipline
- CIOB membership
- Experience in affordable housing, new build or contracting
- Knowledge of local supply chains and Esti-mate software
Why Join Gilbert & Goode?
Bring your skills to a company with a strong regional reputation and a values-led purpose. We build more than homes - we create places where life unfolds. At Gilbert & Goode, we are committed to building inspiring homes and creating lasting memories, placing customers at the heart of everything we do. Award-winning customer satisfaction. We proudly hold the In-house 2026 Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction, reflecting the trust our customers place in us and the exceptional buying experience we deliver. A leading regional housebuilder with purpose. Since 1972, Gilbert & Goode has grown into one of the South West's most respected new homes developers, creating inspiring neighbourhoods across Cornwall and Devon. Your work has real social value. As part of Ocean Housing Group, our profits are gift-aided back to support the delivery of affordable housing. This means your contribution directly helps provide homes for local people and strengthens the communities we serve. Community-first approach. We believe the most successful developments are shaped by the people who live in them. Community voices influence our designs, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods genuinely meet local needs. Alongside this sense of purpose, you'll join a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking team, based at our St Austell headquarters with strong local roots and a deep commitment to the region.
Our Benefits:
- 27 days holiday plus bank holidays
- 10% car allowance
- Professional membership fees paid
- Company sick pay scheme
- Workplace pension with death-in-service benefit
- Home office work payment
- Medicash health plan (including dental and optical cover)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Rewards and recognition programme
- On-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies
If you're passionate about shaping high-quality homes and want to make a meaningful impact within a respected regional housebuilder, we'd love to hear from you. Click apply! We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications - so apply soon!
Senior Estimator employer: Gilbert & Goode
Gilbert & Goode is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the community by providing affordable housing. With over 50 years of experience, we pride ourselves on our award-winning customer satisfaction and commitment to sustainability, ensuring that every team member plays a vital role in creating inspiring homes across Cornwall and Devon. Join us at our St Austell headquarters to be part of a values-led company that prioritises employee growth and well-being, backed by an excellent benefits package and a strong local presence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction and housebuilding sectors. Attend industry events or local meet-ups to get your name out there and make those valuable contacts that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills! Create a portfolio that highlights your estimating projects and successes. This can be a great conversation starter during interviews and helps you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Gilbert & Goode thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and community impact. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with their mission and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at Gilbert & Goode.
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 relevant experience in estimating within the housebuilding or construction sector, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in cost planning and financial performance.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about building inspiring homes and how your background aligns with Gilbert & Goode’s values. Be sure to mention any experience you have with affordable housing or community-focused projects.
Showcase Your Skills:In your application, make sure to highlight your strong communication and negotiation skills. These are key for collaborating with various teams and stakeholders, so give examples of how you've successfully managed these relationships in the past.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves, and you’ll be one step closer to joining our fantastic team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Gilbert & Goode
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong knowledge of cost planning and financial performance. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles. This will show that you can deliver profitable outcomes.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, prepare examples of how you've effectively collaborated with others in past projects. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, as these are crucial for influencing decisions across departments.
✨Understand the Local Market
Familiarise yourself with the local supply chains and market trends in Cornwall and Devon. Being able to discuss how these factors impact estimating and project viability will demonstrate your commitment to the role and the company’s community-first approach.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about estimating software and your experience in affordable housing or new builds. Be ready to explain how you've used technology to enhance your estimating processes and provide clear recommendations to senior stakeholders.
