Regional Estimator in Wardle

The Regional Estimator is responsible for the land viability/appraisal up to land purchase, prior to the handover to the Quantity Surveying and Buying teams. Reporting regionally, they will work closely with the Technical, Land and Commercial teams to provide accurate estimates to the Land and Planning department to assist in securing Land/Business opportunities as well as to maximise the cost effectiveness of developments.

Main responsibilities

• Responsible for evaluating and accurately estimating the costs of land acquisition, including purchase price, legal fees, site preparation, environmental factors, land topography and site conditions and other related expenses to assess cost feasibility or complexities and to advise on quantum of risk and suitable regional Land strategies in collaboration with the Central Pre-Development team.
• Prepare accurate viability estimates of all construction costs with a full breakdown.
• Keep up to date on local regulations to ensure accurate pricing and cost estimation whilst analysing comparable land sales and development projects to gather data on market conditions and land value.
• Visit proposed sites to establish site constraints that may affect pricing strategy.
• Collaborate with the Regional Technical team, central Pre-Development Land and Technical team to explore and present innovative construction techniques to reduce cost and value engineer design solutions to enhance cost effectiveness.
• Deliver detailed financial appraisals for new land bids and undertake cost and risk analysis for new sites.
• Coordinate with the finance team to ensure land cost estimates align with overall project budgets and financial forecasts.
• Prepare detailed cost estimation reports for the Regional Commercial Director, including all costs associated with land acquisition and development, presenting findings and offering insights and recommendations to aid in the decision-making.
• Whilst reporting regionally, closely assist Commercial and Land Directors in the preparation of Gateway submissions which will include drafting of Regional Land Reports.
• Maintain the database of standard cost allowance to ensure cost assumptions are current.
• Also maintain accurate records of all land-related estimates and cost projections for future reference, audits, or project evaluations.

Required skills and qualifications

• A relevant qualification or extensive experience in land viabilities/appraisals, cost estimating, Commercial or Groundworks experience within the residential homebuilding industry.
• Experience with a computerised estimating/measurement system e.g. Bluebeam or equivalent.
• Knowledge and experience of using COINS beneficial but not essential.
• Strong experience of challenging ground conditions and technical solutions (remediation, foundations, retaining, drainage etc).
• Broad legal knowledge and Financial/Commercial awareness.
• A detailed knowledge of construction techniques and building regulations.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail for interpreting data from surveys, contours and plans.
• Excellent communication skills for collaborating with internal teams, contractors and external vendors.
• Good stakeholder management, with resilience and maturity to balance multiple priorities within a fast-changing and demanding environment.

Benefits:

• Generous holiday entitlement of 26 days per annum bank holidays.
• Choice of company car/ car allowance.
• Discretionary Bonus Scheme.
• Holiday Buy Back Scheme.
• Company Pension Scheme.
• Private Medical Insurance Scheme.
• Healthshield membership.
• Life Assurance Scheme.
• Share Purchase Plan.
• Highstreet/ Store Discounts.