At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare and support accurate cost estimates for diverse refurbishment and heritage projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on innovative and complex projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career progression, mentoring, and exposure to senior decision-making.
- Other info: Flexible role with a clear pathway for career advancement.
- Why this job: Join a team that values collaboration and offers real growth opportunities in the construction sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating, especially in refurbishment and heritage projects, is essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 85000 £ per year.
As our main contract client continues to strengthen its pre-construction and tendering capability, the business is seeking to appoint an ambitious and commercially focused Estimator or Senior Estimator. The role is intentionally flexible and is suitable for either:
- An Estimator looking to develop their career and progress towards a Senior Estimator position.
- An established Senior Estimator seeking to work on a diverse portfolio of complex refurbishment, heritage and conservation projects.
The successful candidate will play an important role in ensuring tenders are commercially robust, technically considered and aligned with client expectations. Working closely with the pre-construction, commercial, planning, and operational teams, the role offers exposure to a variety of projects across the Heritage and neighbouring divisions with a primary focus on our Heritage projects ranging from complex refurbishment projects for schools and private clients to conservation and restoration projects for sensitive museum spaces.
Role Overview
The Estimator / Senior Estimator will be responsible for preparing, coordinating and supporting the production of accurate cost estimates and tender submissions from initial enquiry through to tender submission and project handover. For candidates joining at Estimator level, the role provides a structured opportunity to develop technical, commercial and leadership skills with the support of the experienced pre-construction team, creating a clear pathway towards Senior Estimator. For candidates joining at Senior Estimator level, the role will involve taking ownership of larger and more complex tenders, mentoring junior team members, leading tender adjudications and supporting the ongoing development of estimating processes and best practice across the business.
The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to both traditional and two-stage tender opportunities, with particular emphasis on refurbishment, heritage, listed building and occupied-building projects.
Reporting Structure & Development
The Estimator / Senior Estimator will report directly to the Pre-Construction Manager, working closely together to deliver successful tender submissions and drive continuous improvement across the pre-construction function. The role offers regular exposure to senior decision-making, tender strategy development and client engagement activities, providing an excellent platform for professional growth and career progression. For candidates joining at Estimator level, the Pre-Construction Manager will provide ongoing support, mentoring and development, helping build the technical, commercial and leadership skills required to progress into a Senior Estimator position. For candidates joining at Senior Estimator level, the role will involve working as a trusted member of the pre-construction team, supporting the Pre-Construction Manager in leading major tender opportunities, mentoring junior team members and contributing to the wider development of the estimating function.
Leadership & Team Responsibilities
- Support and share knowledge with junior estimators and members of the pre-construction team.
- For Senior Estimators, provide mentoring, guidance and technical leadership to developing estimators.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating standards, cost databases and tendering processes.
- Promote collaboration and knowledge sharing across the wider pre-construction function.
Qualifications & Experience
- Experience working within an estimating role for a main contractor, specialist refurbishment contractor or heritage contractor preferred.
- Suitable for an Estimator looking to progress into a Senior Estimator position or an established Senior Estimator seeking a new challenge.
- Experience of refurbishment projects is essential.
- Heritage, conservation, listed building or complex existing-building experience would be highly desirable.
- Experience pricing projects within education, healthcare, commercial, cultural, residential or public sector environments would be advantageous.
- Strong understanding of subcontract procurement, tendering processes and commercial risk management.
- Degree, HNC/HND or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Building Surveying or a related discipline is desirable but not essential.
- Experience of two-stage tendering and negotiated projects would be beneficial.
Senior Estimator in London employer: Morson Group
Morson Group is an exceptional employer, recognised as one of the UK's Best Big Companies to work for, offering a supportive family-run culture that prioritises employee well-being and development. With 26 days of holiday, bespoke training programmes, and comprehensive mental health support, employees are empowered to grow and thrive in their roles, particularly within the dynamic Payroll team at our Salford office.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in London
✨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 Morson Group, 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 Morson Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in London
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 Morson Group
✨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!