Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage cost estimates and procurement for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Reputable contractor known for quality and collaboration in building and refurbishment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, stable work environment, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with a focus on teamwork and independent work.
- Why this job: Join a hands-on team and make a real impact on construction projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or buying, with strong attention to detail.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This role supports a growing construction-focused business by managing cost estimates and procurement activities. The position ensures accurate pricing, timely purchasing, and supplier engagement across projects, helping deliver profitable, well-controlled works from tender stage through to completion while maintaining robust controls, collaboration, and commercial awareness throughout daily operations and reporting.
A well-established contractor operating across building and refurbishment projects with a strong reputation for quality delivery and long-term client relationships. Privately owned with a stable order book and repeat business base, known for a practical, hands-on and collaborative working culture.
Responsibilities include:
- Preparing detailed cost estimates for tenders and live projects
- Sourcing and negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors
- Placing purchase orders in line with project programmes
- Performing drawing take offs
- Reviewing drawings and specifications to assess cost risks
- Working closely with commercial and operational teams
- Maintaining accurate cost records and procurement trackers
- Monitoring budgets and reporting cost movements
- Supporting value engineering and cost-saving initiatives
Profile:
- Proven experience as an Estimator, Buyer, or combined role
- Background in construction or building services environments
- Able to read technical drawings
- Strong understanding of pricing, procurement, and cost control
- Confident negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors
- Able to interpret drawings and technical specifications
- Highly organised with strong attention to detail
- Comfortable working independently and within small teams
- Proficient with Excel and estimating or procurement systems
Salary circa £40,000 - £50,000 with some small flexibility on this.
Estimator/Buyer (Wall Cladding) in Reading employer: Michael Page Business Support
Contact Detail:
Michael Page Business Support Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator/Buyer (Wall Cladding) in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local construction events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Estimator/Buyer role.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your previous cost estimates and procurement successes. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Get ready for interviews by rehearsing common questions related to estimating and procurement. We recommend using the STAR method to structure your answers and highlight your experience.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search!
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator/Buyer (Wall Cladding) in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in estimating and procurement, especially in construction. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t be shy about showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for the Estimator/Buyer role. Mention your understanding of cost control and supplier engagement, and how you can contribute to our collaborative culture.
Show Off Your Technical Skills: Since this role involves reading technical drawings and using Excel, make sure to mention your proficiency in these areas. We love candidates who can demonstrate their ability to interpret specifications and manage procurement systems effectively.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Michael Page Business Support
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your cost estimation skills. Be prepared to discuss how you approach pricing and procurement, and have examples ready that showcase your experience in managing budgets and negotiating with suppliers.
✨Get Technical
Since the role involves interpreting technical drawings, it’s crucial to demonstrate your ability to read and assess these documents. Bring along a few examples of past projects where you successfully managed cost risks based on your understanding of drawings and specifications.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This position thrives on teamwork, so be ready to talk about how you’ve worked closely with commercial and operational teams in the past. Highlight any experiences where collaboration led to successful project outcomes or cost-saving initiatives.
✨Be Organised and Detail-Oriented
As an Estimator/Buyer, attention to detail is key. Prepare to discuss how you maintain accurate cost records and procurement trackers. You might even want to bring a sample of your work to illustrate your organisational skills and proficiency with Excel or other systems.