At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive estimates for construction and decarbonisation projects.
- Company: Join a growing energy and infrastructure business focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Salary of £50,000–£60,000, performance bonus, 25 days holiday, and professional development.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on innovative projects with a focus on decarbonisation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy-efficiency sector while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in construction or commercial roles; strong Excel and communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 60000 £ per year.
Role: Commercial Estimator/Quantity Surveyor
About the Company
Our client is a growing energy and infrastructure business delivering complex projects across the public and private sectors, helping organisations reduce energy costs, improve efficiency and deliver their decarbonisation objectives.
The business is evolving from a technology-led proposition into a broader construction and specialist decarbonisation partner, with Solar PV and LED at the core of its offering alongside wider energy-efficiency solutions.
As part of this growth, they are looking to appoint a Commercial Estimator/Quantity Surveyor to strengthen their commercial and pre-construction capability.
The Role
The Commercial Estimator/Quantity Surveyor will be responsible for developing accurate, commercially robust project estimates and supporting opportunities from initial tender through to project delivery.
This role would suit a Quantity Surveyor, Estimator or Commercial professional from a construction, M&E, infrastructure or building-services background.
Direct renewable energy experience is not essential.
The priority is strong construction commercial experience, including cost build-up, tendering, subcontractor procurement and project cost control.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating & Tendering
- Prepare accurate and competitive estimates for construction, M&E and decarbonisation projects.
- Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and Bills of Quantities.
- Develop detailed cost build-ups covering labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs.
- Obtain, assess and benchmark subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Identify project assumptions, exclusions, risks and opportunities.
- Develop pricing strategies and ensure appropriate project margins are maintained.
- Prepare tender clarifications and respond to commercial queries.
- Work closely with sales, technical and project teams to ensure proposed solutions are commercially deliverable.
- Quantity Surveying & Commercial Support
- Support commercial management from tender through to project completion.
- Assist with cost control, forecasting and commercial reporting.
- Review and manage subcontractor applications and accounts.
- Support valuations, variations and change control.
- Assist with final accounts and commercial close-out.
- Monitor project costs against approved budgets and identify potential margin risks.
- Support the wider commercial team with contractual and financial risk management.
- Stakeholder Management
- Work closely with project managers, engineers, designers, procurement and sales teams.
- Liaise with clients, subcontractors and suppliers to clarify scope and commercial requirements.
- Ensure commercial assumptions are clearly communicated during handover from sales to delivery.
- Support the development of consistent estimating and commercial processes as the business grows.
What We're Looking For
- Experience as a Quantity Surveyor, Estimator, Commercial Estimator, Senior QS or similar commercial professional.
- Background in construction, M&E, building services, infrastructure or related project environments.
- Strong understanding of construction cost build-up and tender pricing.
- Experience reviewing drawings, specifications, Bo Qs and subcontractor quotations.
- Experience with procurement and supply-chain pricing.
- Understanding of project commercial management, including variations, valuations, cost control and final accounts.
- Strong Excel skills and confidence working with commercial data.
- Strong communication and stakeholder-management skills.
- Commercially minded, analytical and comfortable challenging costs and assumptions.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel when required.
Desirable
- Experience with solar PV, LED, energy efficiency, renewables or decarbonisation projects.
- M&E or building-services experience.
- Experience working on public sector or NHS projects.
- Knowledge of NEC and/or JCT contracts.
- Experience within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 construction/M&E contractor.
- RICS, CIOB, CICES or similar professional qualification, or working towards one.
Package
- £50,000–£60,000 depending on experience
- Performance-related bonus
- 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Pension scheme
- Professional development and qualification support
- Opportunity to join a growing business operating within the energy-efficiency and decarbonisation sector
If you're an experienced QS or Estimator looking to move into a growing business with a strong pipeline of construction and decarbonisation projects, this could be an excellent opportunity to take your commercial career to the next level.
Commercial Estimator in England employer: MDE UK
MDE UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of London. With a competitive salary of up to £60,000 and a comprehensive benefits package, employees are encouraged to grow professionally while managing impactful building services projects in a hybrid environment. The company prioritises employee development and provides unique opportunities for career advancement, making it an ideal place for motivated professionals seeking meaningful work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Estimator in England
✨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 MDE UK, 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 Commercial Estimator at MDE UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Estimator in England
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 MDE UK
✨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!
