At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for housing projects, ensuring accuracy and profitability.
- Company: Gilbert & Goode, a respected housebuilder in Cornwall and Devon.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 27 days holiday, health plan, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with a community-first approach.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on communities by shaping high-quality homes.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating within construction and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 € per year.
Gilbert & Goode is a leading South West housebuilder, renowned for delivering high-quality homes and creating thriving, sustainable communities across Cornwall and Devon. Founded in 1972, we have over 50 years’ experience in building inspiring places to live and providing outstanding customer experiences — recognised by our 2026 In-house Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction. As part of Ocean Housing since 2005, we reinvest our success to help deliver affordable housing and strengthen the communities we serve. Our work is driven by thoughtful design, sustainability, and close collaboration with local partners to create places that genuinely make a difference.
The Role
We are seeking a talented Senior Estimator to provide an accurate, efficient and commercially focused estimating service across our development and contracting pipelines. Reporting to the Commercial Operations Director, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our schemes remain competitive, viable and profitable. You’ll work collaboratively across Land, Technical, Sales and Build teams, influencing decisions from initial land appraisals through to detailed tenders and delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the estimating function, ensuring all viability appraisals are accurate and up to date
- Produce cost plans from initial land opportunities through to board-approved budgets
- Prepare competitive tenders and develop tender strategies
- Identify, analyse and manage risks and opportunities within projects
- Seek and negotiate competitive quotations from the supply chain
- Work closely with Technical teams to achieve cost-effective design solutions
- Produce clear reports, cost workbooks and tender documentation
- Chair and contribute to tender meetings and decision-making processes
- Maintain and develop the company’s live build cost data library
- Monitor industry trends and provide cost intelligence to the business
About You
Essential qualifications and experience:
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant experience as an estimator within the housebuilding or construction sector
- Strong knowledge of general contracting and cost planning
- Proven ability to deliver profitable outcomes and manage financial performance
- Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Office packages
- Excellent organisational, time management and analytical skills
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to manage risk and present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders
Qualifications
- HNC (or Level 5 equivalent) in Building Construction or equivalent
Desirable
- Degree (Level 6) in Construction or related discipline
- CIOB membership
- Experience in affordable housing, new build or contracting
- Knowledge of local supply chains and Esti-mate software
Why Join Gilbert & Goode?
Bring your skills to a company with a strong regional reputation and a values‑led purpose. We build more than homes — we create places where life unfolds. At Gilbert & Goode, we are committed to “building inspiring homes and creating lasting memories”, placing customers at the heart of everything we do. Award‑winning customer satisfaction. We proudly hold the In‑house 2026 Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction, reflecting the trust our customers place in us and the exceptional buying experience we deliver. A leading regional housebuilder with purpose. Since 1972, Gilbert & Goode has grown into one of the South West’s most respected new homes developers, creating inspiring neighbourhoods across Cornwall and Devon. Your work has real social value. As part of Ocean Housing Group, our profits are gift‑aided back to support the delivery of affordable housing. This means your contribution directly helps provide homes for local people and strengthens the communities we serve. Community‑first approach. We believe the most successful developments are shaped by the people who live in them. Community voices influence our designs, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods genuinely meet local needs. Alongside this sense of purpose, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking team, based at our St Austell headquarters with strong local roots and a deep commitment to the region.
Our Benefits
- 27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- 10% car allowance
- Professional membership fees paid
- Company sick pay scheme
- Workplace pension with death-in-service benefit
- Home office work payment
- Medicash health plan (including dental and optical cover)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Rewards and recognition programme
- On-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies
Closing Date: Tuesday 26th of May 2026 at Midnight Interviews to be held: Thursday 4th of June 2026
If you’re passionate about shaping high‑quality homes and want to make a meaningful impact within a respected regional housebuilder, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply! We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon.
Senior Estimator in St Austell employer: IRIS Software Group
Gilbert & Goode is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment where your contributions directly impact the community by providing affordable housing. With a strong commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive benefits including 27 days of holiday, professional development opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance, all while being part of a respected housebuilder with deep local roots in Cornwall and Devon.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in St Austell
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend local events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Gilbert & Goode thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and community impact. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage costs effectively. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to keeping projects profitable while maintaining quality.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining a company that values community and sustainability.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in St Austell
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your relevant experience in estimating within the housebuilding sector and showcase how your skills align with our values at Gilbert & Goode.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific examples of how you’ve delivered profitable outcomes or managed financial performance in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and structure your information logically. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us without any hiccups. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our company there!
How to prepare for a job interview at IRIS Software Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong knowledge of cost planning and financial performance. Brush up on key metrics and be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles. Bring examples of cost plans or tenders you've worked on to showcase your expertise.
✨Collaborate Like a Pro
This role requires close collaboration with various teams. Prepare to discuss how you've worked with different departments in the past, especially in terms of influencing decisions and achieving cost-effective design solutions. Think of specific instances where your teamwork made a significant impact.
✨Stay Ahead of Trends
Gilbert & Goode values industry intelligence, so make sure you're up-to-date with current trends in housebuilding and construction. Be ready to share insights on how these trends could affect estimating and project viability. This shows your proactive approach and commitment to the role.
✨Communicate Clearly
Strong communication skills are essential for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, especially when discussing complex topics like risk management and tender strategies. Consider preparing a brief presentation or report to demonstrate your ability to produce clear documentation.
