At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead complex tenders and shape commercial strategies for major construction projects.
- Company: Successful construction business in St Albans with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Ownership of projects, influence on strategy, and mentoring opportunities.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant responsibility and career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make impactful decisions and develop junior estimators while enhancing your own skills.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in construction, strong commercial awareness, and excellent Excel skills.
You know the difference between pricing a job and winning one. This is an opportunity for an experienced Senior Estimator to take ownership of some of the larger and more complex tenders for a successful construction business in St Albans. You won't just be producing numbers and sending spreadsheets into the void. You'll be responsible for shaping the commercial strategy behind major bids - challenging assumptions, identifying risk, finding opportunities to add value and ultimately making sure the business submits competitive, accurate and profitable tenders.
If you've got the commercial judgement to make the big calls, the confidence to challenge a tender and the personality to build strong relationships with clients and colleagues, this is a role worth looking at.
WHAT YOU'LL BE DOING
- Leading tender teams and coordinating internal and external resources
- Taking full accountability for the quality, accuracy and robustness of estimates
- Preparing the complete commercial and pricing element of tenders and cost plans
- Producing high-quality tender submissions and leading the commercial side of the process
- Attending pre-tender and post-tender interviews, internal adjudications and tender progress meetings
- Managing tender resources, deadlines and the overall estimating process
- Identifying opportunities to add value and improve the commercial position
- Identifying, assessing and escalating potential project risks
- Using accurate cost forecasts to support commercial decision-making
- Reporting tender progress and maintaining clear visibility across the estimating pipeline
- Producing detailed control documentation to ensure a clean handover to the delivery team
- Building long-term relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and internal stakeholders
- Working closely with other areas of the business to ensure the estimating strategy aligns with wider commercial objectives
- Mentoring and developing junior members of the estimating team
WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR
This isn't a role for someone who needs to be told what to do next. You'll need the experience and commercial confidence to take ownership, make decisions and stand behind your numbers. Ideally, you'll have:
- 5+ years' relevant construction industry experience
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering or a related discipline - although strong relevant experience will also be considered
- Experience estimating within complex construction or built environment environments
- Strong commercial awareness and a thorough understanding of the construction process
- Experience working on larger, complex tenders
- Excellent Excel and Microsoft Office skills
- The ability to analyse information, identify problems and make considered commercial decisions
- Strong attention to detail without losing sight of the bigger picture
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
- The confidence to deal with clients and senior stakeholders
- The ability to work autonomously, manage pressure and deliver against tight deadlines
- A genuine interest in developing and mentoring junior estimators
WHY THIS ROLE?
Because you're getting the chance to have a real influence on the work the business wins. You'll be trusted to lead major tenders, influence commercial strategy, work directly with clients and make decisions that have a genuine impact on the success and profitability of projects. You'll also have the opportunity to develop the people around you - helping junior estimators become better at what they do while continuing to sharpen your own commercial expertise. If you're an experienced Estimator who wants more ownership, more responsibility and the opportunity to influence bigger and more complex work, let's talk. Apply now or contact me directly for a confidential conversation.
Senior Estimator in St Albans employer: Linkit Recruitment
Join a leading construction firm in St Albans, where your expertise as a Senior Estimator will be valued and impactful. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior team members while taking ownership of complex tenders that shape the company's commercial strategy. Enjoy a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and offers competitive benefits, making it an excellent place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in St Albans
✨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 Linkit Recruitment, 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 Estimator at Linkit Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in St Albans
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 Linkit Recruitment
✨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!
