Estimator
Location: Braintree, Essex
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Market 36 Recruitment are currently recruiting for an Estimator on behalf of our client based in Braintree.
This is an exciting opportunity to join a well-established engineering business working on highly bespoke projects across multiple sectors. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, taking ownership, and going beyond standard estimating processes to truly understand each project.
Main Purpose of the Role
To support the special projects team in preparing accurate and commercially sound quotations for bespoke engineering enquiries.
Unlike traditional estimating roles, this position requires a proactive and investigative approach working beyond standard pricing exercises to fully understand project scope, materials, and technical requirements. You will take ownership of each enquiry, ensuring all elements are explored and costed effectively.
Roles & Responsibilities
- Interpret technical drawings and specifications to produce detailed and accurate cost estimates
- Take full ownership of assigned enquiries from initial review through to final quotation
- Work on bespoke projects where no two jobs are the same requiring a tailored and thoughtful approach
- Liaise with internal teams including design, production, and sales to gather technical insight
- Proactively source pricing for materials, components, and specialist services from external suppliers
- Go beyond initial drawings by identifying missing information, alternative solutions, and potential risks
- Build comprehensive cost models, ensuring all aspects of the project are captured
- Prepare technical and commercial proposals for tender submissions
- Support handover of successful projects to the delivery/operations team
Additional Responsibilities
- Assist with tender review and governance processes
- Attend internal or external meetings where required to support project understanding
- Maintain accurate records of quotations, pricing structures, and supplier information
- Continuously look for improvements in estimating processes and cost efficiencies
- Support wider business development activities where required
Experience, Skills & Qualifications
- Previous experience within an estimating, engineering, or technical environment
- Experience with sheet metal is required
- Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail
- Confident using Microsoft Excel and general IT systems
- Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
- Self-motivated with strong initiative able to investigate, question, and problem-solve independently
- Experience within fabrication, steelwork, construction, or engineering sectors (desirable, not essential)
- Ability to manage multiple projects and prioritise workload effectively
- Hours: Monday to Friday (standard office hours)
Salary: £40,000- £50,000
Benefits:
- Opportunity to work on varied and bespoke projects
- Long-term career development within a growing business
- Supportive and collaborative team environment
- Exposure to a wide range of engineering sectors
Market 36 Recruitment Ltd cover a range of sectors including Commercial, Industrial, Engineering, HR & Finance and IT. This vacancy is being advertised by Market 36 Recruitment Ltd. We operate as an Employment Business for temporary roles and as an Employment Agency for permanent roles.
Job Types: Full-time, Permanent
Work Location: In person
Contact Details:
Market36 Recruitment Ltd Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Braintree
✨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 Market36 Recruitment Ltd Careers, 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 Market36 Recruitment Ltd Careers.
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 Market36 Recruitment Ltd Careers
✨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!
