The Opportunity A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Estimator to join the Facades division of an established specialist construction business based in Leeds. The business has built an excellent reputation within the UK construction sector for delivering specialist building-envelope solutions across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, residential, retail, education, healthcare, leisure and infrastructure. With continued growth across the business and an expanding pipeline of façade and cladding projects, they are looking to strengthen their pre-construction team with an Estimator who can play a key role in securing new work and supporting the continued development of the Facades division. This is an excellent opportunity to join an established business with a strong project portfolio, whilst working within a specialist division where technical knowledge, commercial awareness and attention to detail are highly valued. The Role As an Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive tenders across a range of façade and building-envelope projects, working closely with clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, manufacturers and internal design and commercial teams throughout the tender process. Your responsibilities will include: * Reviewing tender enquiries, drawings, specifications and scopes of work, whilst preparing accurate estimates, quantity take-offs, measurements, bills of quantities and cost plans. * Obtaining, analysing and negotiating quotations from specialist subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers, including liaising on products, systems, technical requirements and pricing. * Developing project-specific scopes of work and tender packages, whilst identifying commercial, technical and construction risks within tender documentation. * Working alongside design and technical teams to develop cost-effective and buildable solutions, including identifying opportunities for value engineering and alternative solutions. * Preparing detailed tender submissions, supporting post-tender negotiations and attending client meetings where required. * Maintaining accurate estimating records and cost information, whilst assisting with the successful handover of projects following award. * Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers and the wider supply chain throughout the pre-construction process. Project Experience The successful candidate will ideally have experience estimating projects ranging from approximately £500k to £10m+, with exposure to larger and more complex façade schemes being advantageous. The project portfolio can include: * Façade remediation, recladding, external wall systems, rainscreen cladding, render and insulated cladding systems. * New-build façade packages, refurbishment projects and complex remediation schemes across commercial and residential developments. * Education, healthcare, leisure and infrastructure projects, providing exposure to a varied portfolio of technically challenging schemes. Ideal Background The ideal candidate will have previous estimating experience within facades, cladding, building envelope or a closely related specialist construction environment. Suitable backgrounds could include: * Façade, rainscreen cladding, cladding or external envelope/building-envelope specialist contractor. * Specialist subcontractor, refurbishment contractor or main contractor with significant façade packages. * Experience with rainscreen, render, insulated panels, external wall systems, cladding systems or façade remediation would be particularly beneficial. * Estimators from a broader specialist construction background will also be considered where they can demonstrate strong technical estimating experience and a genuine understanding of the construction process. What We're Looking For * Previous experience working as an Estimator within construction or a related specialist discipline, with a strong understanding of estimating, tendering and procurement. * Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation, including undertaking detailed take-offs and cost plans. * Strong commercial awareness, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively. * Confident negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors, with strong IT and estimating-system skills. * Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative pre-construction team. Why Join? You will be joining an established specialist construction business with an excellent reputation across the UK and a strong presence within the building-envelope market. You will have the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of technically challenging projects, whilst playing a key role in the continued growth of the Facades division. The company places a strong emphasis on its people, offering a competitive package alongside genuine opportunities for development and progression. The Package * Competitive salary – negotiable depending on experience * Car allowance, enhanced company pension contribution and competitive annual holiday entitlement * Enhanced maternity and paternity leave and pay, alongside additional company benefits * Opportunities for learning, development and progression If you're an Estimator with a background in facades, cladding or building envelope and are looking for an opportunity to join an established specialist contractor in Leeds, this could be an excellent next step in your career
Estimator in Leeds employer: Ignite Talent Group Ltd
Ignite Construction is an excellent employer, offering competitive pay and immediate start opportunities for skilled plasterers in Manchester. With a strong focus on quality and collaboration, our work culture fosters professional growth and development, ensuring that employees can thrive in their careers while contributing to meaningful projects in the community.
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 Ignite Talent Group Ltd, 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 Ignite Talent Group Ltd.
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 Ignite Talent Group Ltd
✨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!
