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 over 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 40000 - 50000 € 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
- 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
As an Estimator, your role will include:
- 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
To be successful in this role, you will ideally have:
- 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 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 prioritises innovation and sustainability, while working on diverse projects across the Midlands region. With ample opportunities for professional growth and a collaborative preconstruction team, this role as a Construction Estimator offers a meaningful chance to contribute to impactful community-focused projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Construction Estimator
✨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 landing that Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills in action! If you can, create a portfolio of past projects where you've successfully managed costs and delivered value. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on common estimator scenarios. Think about how you would handle specific project challenges and be ready to discuss your thought process. Confidence is key!
✨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 take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Construction Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your experience with cost planning, project take-offs, and any relevant software like Conquest Estimating. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about construction estimating and how your background aligns with our values. Don’t forget to mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your expertise.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since this role requires strong technical and financial expertise, be sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed costs and collaborated with teams on previous projects. We love seeing real-world applications of your skills!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from 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 successfully managed project costs in the past. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to deliver accurate cost plans and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous projects.
✨Familiarise Yourself with SMM7 Standards
Since the role involves detailed project take-offs to SMM7 standards, make sure you’re well-versed in these guidelines. Be prepared to explain how you’ve applied these standards in your previous work. This will show your potential employer that you understand the technical requirements of the job and can hit the ground running.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
The job requires working closely with various teams, so highlight your collaborative skills during the interview. Think of specific instances where you’ve worked with design teams or clients to provide value-led solutions. Show that you can effectively communicate complex information and build strong relationships within a team.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Be ready to discuss how you've identified project risks and opportunities in the past. Prepare to share examples of practical and cost-effective recommendations you've made. This will demonstrate your proactive approach and ability to add value throughout the project lifecycle, which is crucial for this role.
