At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage tenders and cost estimates for exciting interior fit-out projects.
- Company: Established contractor in the growing interior fit-out and refurbishment sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and dynamic project environments.
- Other info: Opportunity to travel across the UK and work on diverse projects.
- Why this job: Join a thriving team and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction, strong estimating skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Fantastic opportunity for the right candidate. We are working with an established and growing specialist interior fit-out and refurbishment contractor based in the Reading area. Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint an experienced Estimator / Commercial Manager to join the business and take a key role across the estimating and commercial functions. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially minded construction professional who understands the interiors and fit-out market and is comfortable managing projects from initial enquiry and tender stage through to commercial delivery. The role will be predominantly based in the Reading area, with travel to client and project sites across the UK as required.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage and prepare tenders, quotations and cost estimates for commercial interior fit-out and refurbishment projects
- Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation to accurately establish project costs
- Undertake site surveys and measurements to support the estimating process
- Use Excel spreadsheets and drawing measurement tools to prepare detailed estimates
- Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations
- Liaise with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and key project stakeholders
- Support commercial negotiations and tender submissions
- Manage project budgets and monitor costs throughout the project lifecycle
- Identify potential commercial risks and opportunities
- Ensure contractual obligations and client requirements are understood and adhered to
- Monitor project programmes, timelines and commercial deliverables
- Maintain accurate records of contracts, variations and commercial correspondence
- Work closely with project and contracts teams to ensure projects are delivered successfully and profitably
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and the wider supply chain
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for someone with proven experience within construction, ideally from a commercial interiors, fit-out or refurbishment background. You may currently be working as an Estimator, Senior Estimator, Commercial Manager, Quantity Surveyor or in a combined estimating/commercial position. You should have:
- Strong estimating and commercial management experience
- Previous experience within commercial fit-out, interiors or refurbishment
- A good understanding of construction costs, tendering and project delivery
- Strong Excel skills and experience using drawing measurement or take-off tools
- Experience managing budgets, costs and commercial performance
- Strong negotiation and client-facing skills
- Excellent organisation and attention to detail
- The ability to interpret drawings, specifications and project requirements
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office; experience with MS Project would be beneficial
- The ability to manage multiple tenders and live projects simultaneously
Candidates should ideally live within a reasonable commuting distance of Reading and be comfortable travelling to customer and project sites nationwide when required.
Estimator / Manager in Reading employer: Hawkes Resourcing Group
Hawkes Resourcing Group is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation in the heart of London and Essex. With a competitive salary package and opportunities for professional growth, employees are encouraged to develop their skills while working on impactful M&E projects. The company prioritises health and safety, ensuring a supportive environment where every team member can thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator / Manager in Reading
✨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 Hawkes Resourcing Group, 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 / Manager at Hawkes Resourcing Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator / Manager in Reading
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 Hawkes Resourcing Group
✨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!
