At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the preparation of competitive tenders for diverse construction projects.
- Company: Established construction contractor in Glasgow with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, performance bonus, and private healthcare.
- Other info: Clear career progression and professional development opportunities available.
- Why this job: Take ownership of high-value bids and make a real impact in construction.
- Qualifications: Significant estimating experience and strong commercial awareness required.
Our client are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Build Estimator to join their growing pre-construction team. Working for a well-established construction contractor, you will play a key role in securing new business by leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially sound tenders across a diverse portfolio of construction projects. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious estimator looking to take ownership of high-value bids while working alongside experienced operational and commercial teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tenders from first principles.
- Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications, and employer's requirements.
- Produce detailed cost estimates for labour, plant, materials, subcontractors, and preliminaries.
- Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction solutions.
- Carry out site visits to assess project requirements and associated risks.
- Prepare tender adjudication reports and present recommendations to senior management.
- Liaise closely with clients, consultants, architects, and internal project teams throughout the bid process.
- Support negotiated tenders, framework submissions, and two-stage procurement opportunities.
- Maintain accurate estimating records, cost databases, and benchmark information.
- Assist in the continuous improvement of estimating processes and mentor junior estimators where appropriate.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- Significant experience in an estimating role within a main construction contractor.
- Proven track record of pricing projects across sectors such as commercial, education, healthcare, residential, industrial, or public sector developments.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement routes, and contract forms.
- Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- High level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel and estimating software.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and work effectively to tight deadlines.
- A collaborative approach with excellent stakeholder management skills.
Desirable Qualifications
- Degree, HNC, or HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
- Membership of a relevant professional body (RICS, CIOB, or similar) is advantageous.
- Full UK driving license.
What They Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company car or car allowance.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Pension scheme.
- Private healthcare.
- Life assurance.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Professional development and training opportunities.
- Clear career progression within a growing and successful contractor.
- A supportive, collaborative working environment where your expertise is valued.
Senior Build Estimator employer: Linear Recruitment Ltd
Join a leading Tier One infrastructure contractor as an Engineering Manager and be part of a dynamic team delivering a flagship multi-million-pound EPC project in the UK energy sector. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will benefit from ongoing professional development and support towards chartership, all while working in a collaborative environment that values technical excellence and innovation. This site-based role offers a unique opportunity to lead multidisciplinary teams and make a significant impact on major infrastructure projects, ensuring a rewarding and meaningful career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Build Estimator
✨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 Linear Recruitment 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 Senior Build Estimator at Linear Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Build Estimator
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 Linear Recruitment 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!
