At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders and cost plans for major construction projects.
- Company: Join JJ Rhatigan, a leading contractor with 70 years of excellence.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, training, and clear career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for growth and development.
- Why this job: Work on high-profile projects and make a real impact in construction.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Estimator and strong analytical skills required.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
About JJ Rhatigan & Company
JJ Rhatigan is a leading main contractor with over 70 years’ experience delivering high-quality, sustainable construction projects across Ireland and the UK. As a family-founded business, we have built a reputation for excellence in health & safety, quality of finish and overall project delivery. Our portfolio spans residential, commercial, education, healthcare and mixed-use developments, combining technical expertise with a collaborative and integrity-led approach. Our UK business continues to grow, supported by a strong pipeline of work and long-standing client relationships.
The Role
We are looking for a skilled Estimator (Mid–Senior level) to join our UK pre-construction team. You will play a critical role in preparing competitive tenders and cost plans for projects typically ranging from £20m to £100m+, working across residential, commercial, education, and mixed-use sectors. You will analyse tender documents, prepare cost plans, measurements on-screen, manage subcontract pricing, and contribute to developing comprehensive and commercially strong proposals submissions. The role provides exposure to major UK schemes and offers the chance to grow within an expanding pre-construction team.
Key Duties and Responsibilities
- Review tender documents and confirm completeness of information received.
- Prepare take-offs, quantities and cost plans using CostX (training provided if required).
- Break down tender packages and identify suitable subcontractors/suppliers.
- Identify and flag gaps in subcontract pricing and plug appropriately.
- Issue enquiries, assess returns and undertake detailed subcontract comparisons.
- Coordinate closely with design, planning and project teams to assess preliminaries, logistics and programme implications.
- Identify and communicate risks, opportunities, assumptions, exclusions and design gaps.
- Support the development of cost plans, tender summaries and commercial submissions.
- Generate value-engineering options and alternative specifications.
- Attend tender launch, mid-bid and settlement meetings.
- Prepare written clarifications and respond to post-submission queries.
- Complete handover packs for successful bids and support mobilisation where required.
Skills & Experience Required
- Experience as an Estimator within a main contractor environment (UK or Irish market).
- Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement routes and tendering processes.
- Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications, and contractual information.
- Proficient in take-offs, measurement and bill production (CostX or similar).
- Skilled in analysing subcontract quotations and identifying scope gaps and risks.
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical thinking.
- Comfortable working with evolving design information and forming reasoned assumptions.
- Excellent numeracy and attention to detail.
- Highly organised, able to prioritise multiple tenders and deadlines.
- Strong communication skills and ability to collaborate effectively across teams.
What JJ Rhatigan Can Offer You
- Competitive salary and benefits package.
- Clear progression pathway and ongoing training, CPD and development opportunities.
- Opportunities to work on major, high-profile UK projects.
- A collaborative, forward-thinking work environment.
If you’re an ambitious Estimator eager to take on larger, more challenging tenders and contribute to a successful UK pre-construction team, we’d love to hear from you. JJ Rhatigan & Company is an equal opportunities employer.
Estimator in City of London employer: JJ Rhatigan & Company
At JJ Rhatigan & Company, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and benefits package alongside clear pathways for career progression and ongoing professional development. Our collaborative and forward-thinking work environment fosters innovation and teamwork, allowing estimators to engage with high-profile projects across the UK while contributing to our legacy of excellence in construction. Join us to be part of a family-founded business that values integrity and quality in every aspect of our work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in City of London
✨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 JJ Rhatigan & Company, 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 JJ Rhatigan & Company.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in City of London
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 JJ Rhatigan & Company
✨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!
