At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accurate cost plans and collaborate on innovative construction projects.
- Company: Leading UK construction firm with a people-first culture and 170 years of heritage.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with exciting projects ranging from £10m to £150m+.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team and make a real impact on diverse projects across the Midlands.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction estimating and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are partnering with one of the UK's leading privately-owned Construction and Interiors businesses to recruit an experienced Estimator to support projects across the Midlands region. With more than 170 years of industry heritage, our client is recognised as one of the UK's top employers, delivering sustainable, community-focused projects across both the public and private sectors. Known for innovation, flexible working, and a people-first culture, they continue to shape environments that create a lasting positive impact.
You'll become part of a collaborative and passionate preconstruction team that plays a vital role in the continued success of the business. This is an exciting opportunity for someone who enjoys delivering high-quality, accurate cost planning while identifying innovative ways to add value throughout the project lifecycle.
As an Estimator, you will manage commercial activities with a strong level of technical and financial expertise, ensuring projects are accurately priced and aligned with customer requirements, legislation, and business objectives. You'll be responsible for pricing selected trades from first principles using agreed company outputs, preparing detailed handover documentation for delivery teams, and completing project take-offs to the required level of detail, including SMM7 standards where appropriate. Projects typically range from £10m to £150m+ across sectors including: Education, Healthcare, Residential, Commercial, Leisure, Blue Light, No two projects are the same.
The Role
- Preparing robust and accurate cost plans through all design gateways up to target price stage
- Ensuring project costs align with scope, client requirements, and current legislation
- Collaborating with the wider preconstruction team to secure and convert tender opportunities
- Supporting customers and design teams with affordability advice and value-led solutions
- Identifying project risks and opportunities, providing practical and cost-effective recommendations
- Producing and managing detailed project take-offs (SMM7 / NRM2 / building quantities)
- Assessing alternative design solutions and presenting value-engineered options to clients
- Supporting change control processes throughout RIBA stages, including costing design changes
- Preparing comprehensive cost information packs for project handover to delivery teams
- Leading procurement scheduling and developing strong supply chain relationships
- Reviewing supply chain performance alongside operational teams
- Coordinating with design leads to ensure all consultant and statutory fees are captured within tender submissions
- Using customer insight and data-driven decision-making to deliver effective commercial solutions
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience delivering two-stage tenders and pricing all work packages
- Strong knowledge of a variety of construction methods
- Experience managing costs, programme, and quality against project targets
- The ability to accurately interpret drawings and technical specifications
- Excellent numerical and analytical skills
- A valid CSCS card
- Experience using Conquest Estimating Software or similar systems
- Experience carrying out quantity take-offs to SMM7 standards
If you're looking to play a key role in delivering safe, compliant, and innovative construction projects across the Midlands, we'd love to hear from you. Apply online today for a confidential discussion.
Construction Estimator in Birmingham employer: Howells Recruitment
Join a leading privately-owned construction and interiors business with over 170 years of heritage, recognised as one of the UK's top employers. Enjoy a flexible, people-first culture that fosters collaboration and innovation, while working on diverse projects across the Midlands region. With a strong focus on employee growth and sustainable practices, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact in the community and advance your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Estimator in Birmingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local construction events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Create a portfolio showcasing your previous projects and cost plans. This will give potential employers a clear idea of what you can bring to the table, especially when it comes to delivering high-quality, accurate cost planning.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of current legislation. Be ready to discuss how you've managed costs and risks in past projects, as this will demonstrate your expertise and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company right from the start.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Estimator in Birmingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your experience with cost planning, project take-offs, and any relevant software like Conquest. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about construction and how you can add value to our projects. Be sure to mention your experience with two-stage tenders and collaboration with design teams.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of how you've successfully managed costs or identified innovative solutions in past projects. We love seeing results!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smooth application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and get the ball rolling on your potential future with us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howells Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Construction Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your cost planning techniques and be ready to discuss how you've managed project budgets in the past. Prepare examples of how you've accurately interpreted drawings and technical specifications to back up your claims.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SMM7 Standards
Since the role involves detailed project take-offs to SMM7 standards, make sure you understand these guidelines inside out. Be prepared to explain how you've applied these standards in previous projects and how they contribute to accurate pricing and project success.
✨Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit
This position requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your experience in collaboration. Think of specific instances where you've worked with design teams or procurement to secure tender opportunities and how that led to successful project outcomes.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you'd handle project risks and opportunities. Prepare to discuss practical, cost-effective recommendations you've made in the past. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers and showcase your problem-solving skills.
