At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accurate cost plans and collaborate on exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a leading UK construction firm known for innovation and a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse projects that shape communities 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 will 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 will 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 Solutions Limited
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 developments.
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 in person! If you get the chance, ask for an informational interview or a coffee chat with someone in the company you're eyeing. It’s a great way to demonstrate your passion and knowledge about the role of an Estimator.
✨Tip Number 3
Tailor your approach! When you apply through our website, make sure to highlight your experience with two-stage tenders and your familiarity with SMM7 standards. Customising your application can really make you stand out from the crowd.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. Mention something specific from your conversation to remind them of your fit for the Estimator role. It shows you're genuinely interested and keeps you on their radar.
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 preconstruction team. Keep it concise but impactful – we love a good story!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Whether it's saving costs on a project or successfully managing a tender, we want to know how you've made a difference in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howells Solutions Limited
✨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 costs in the past. Prepare examples of how you've accurately interpreted drawings and technical specifications.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Make sure to highlight your proven experience with two-stage tenders and pricing work packages. Be prepared to discuss specific projects where you successfully collaborated with design teams and provided value-led solutions. This will show that you understand the importance of teamwork in delivering high-quality results.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s people-first culture and their commitment to sustainable projects. During the interview, express how your values align with theirs and share any relevant experiences that demonstrate your passion for community-focused construction. This will help you stand out as a candidate who fits well within their team.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to SMM7 standards and quantity take-offs. Review the key principles and be ready to explain your approach to producing detailed project take-offs. Showing your technical expertise will reassure them that you can handle the responsibilities of the role effectively.
