At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accurate cost estimates and support project planning for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Respected regional main contractor with a strong presence in the Highlands.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and attractive benefits package.
- Other info: Great career progression opportunities in a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Join a collaborative team and work on diverse projects up to £20m.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Estimator or QS with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 £ per year.
A well-established and highly respected regional main contractor with a strong presence across the Highlands is seeking to appoint an experienced Estimator to join their growing commercial team. With a solid pipeline of work across both public and private sectors, this organisation delivers high-quality projects up to 20m in value, spanning a diverse range of sectors including education, commercial, and residential developments.
Known for their collaborative culture and commitment to employee wellbeing, this contractor offers a flexible working environment alongside genuine career progression opportunities.
As Estimator, you will play a key role in the pre-construction team, responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates to support bid submissions and project planning. Key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for projects up to 20m
- Analysing drawings, specifications and tender documentation
- Liaising with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations
- Identifying value engineering opportunities and risk factors within bids
- Collaborating with commercial, operational and design teams
- Supporting the business in securing new work across both public and private sector
Proven experience as an Estimator or QS within a main contracting environment is required, along with a strong understanding of construction methods, materials and market rates. Experience delivering projects across a range of sectors (public and private) is essential, as well as excellent numerical and analytical skills with attention to detail. Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities are also necessary, along with the ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
In return, you will receive a competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, flexible working arrangements, an attractive benefits package, and the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of projects up to 20m. There is clear career progression within a supportive and growing business, and the chance to be part of a well-regarded contractor with strong regional presence.
If you’re interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or get in touch for a confidential discussion about your career.
Estimator in Elgin employer: Hays
Join a well-established main contractor in the Highlands, where you will benefit from a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and offers flexible working arrangements. With a strong pipeline of diverse projects and clear career progression opportunities, this company is dedicated to fostering your professional growth while delivering high-quality developments across both public and private sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Elgin
✨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 Hays, 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 at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Elgin
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 Hays
✨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!
