At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare detailed cost estimates and manage the full tender process for exciting refurbishment projects.
- Company: Join a well-established contractor with a family-feel team and strong project pipeline.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, quarterly bonuses, and ongoing training opportunities.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career development prospects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while working on high-end residential and commercial projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating within construction and strong numerical skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
A well-established principal contractor specialising in residential and commercial refurbishment, with a particular focus on the conversion of listed buildings into high-end apartments, 1m+ homes, and commercial space. The business has a strong project pipeline (500m+), operates with a close-knit, family-feel team (circa 30 staff), and benefits from a stable and supportive pre-construction function.
We are seeking an Estimator to join the pre-construction team, taking ownership of tendering activities from initial enquiry through to submission. You’ll play a key role in winning work, preparing accurate and competitive tenders, and supporting the business’s continued growth. Typically, you will manage bids across one or more schemes, depending on value and complexity. As a business, projects are secured through repeat work, relationships, and reputation rather than frameworks.
Key Responsibilities:
- Preparing detailed cost estimates from drawings, specifications, and first principles
- Managing the full tender process from enquiry to submission
- Producing cost plans, budgets, and tender documentation
- Subcontractor enquiry, analysis, and negotiation
- Identifying risks, opportunities, and value engineering options
- Supporting bid strategy and contributing to tender adjudications
- Liaising with clients, consultants, and internal teams during pre-construction
- Maintaining and developing supply chain relationships
Experience & Skills Required:
- Experience in an Estimator role within construction
- Strong understanding of construction methods, particularly in refurbishment
- Ability to price projects from first principles
- Strong numerical, analytical, and commercial awareness
- Excellent attention to detail
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders
Desirable:
- Experience in residential and/or commercial refurbishment
- Knowledge of listed building or heritage projects
- Relevant degree or time-served experience
- Professional membership (RICS / CIOB or similar)
Package:
- Quarterly bonus linked to KPIs and business performance
- 20 days holiday + bank holidays (under review)
- Additional Christmas shutdown leave + birthday off
- Company pension
- Ongoing training and career development
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Estimator in Leeds employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Leeds
✨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 Leeds
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!
