At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for construction projects, ensuring accuracy and profitability.
- Company: Gilbert & Goode, a respected housebuilder with a community-first approach.
- Benefits: Flexible working, 27 days holiday, health plan, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a supportive team dedicated to building inspiring neighbourhoods.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by creating homes that strengthen local communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating within construction and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
We are seeking a talented Senior Estimator to provide an accurate, efficient and commercially focused estimating service across our development and contracting pipelines. Reporting to the Commercial Operations Director, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our schemes remain competitive, viable and profitable.
You’ll work collaboratively across Land, Technical, Sales and Build teams, influencing decisions from initial land appraisals through to detailed tenders and delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the estimating function, ensuring all viability appraisals are accurate and up to date
- Produce cost plans from initial land opportunities through to board-approved budgets
- Prepare competitive tenders and develop tender strategies
- Identify, analyse and manage risks and opportunities within projects
- Seek and negotiate competitive quotations from the supply chain
- Work closely with Technical teams to achieve cost-effective design solutions
- Produce clear reports, cost workbooks and tender documentation
- Chair and contribute to tender meetings and decision-making processes
- Maintain and develop the company’s live build cost data library
- Monitor industry trends and provide cost intelligence to the business
About You
Essential qualifications and experience:
Essential Skills & Experience
- Significant experience as an estimator within the housebuilding or construction sector
- Strong knowledge of general contracting and cost planning
- Proven ability to deliver profitable outcomes and manage financial performance
- Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Office packages
- Excellent organisational, time management and analytical skills
- Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
- Ability to manage risk and present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders
Qualifications
- HNC (or Level 5 equivalent) in Building Construction or equivalent
Desirable
- Degree (Level 6) in Construction or related discipline
- CIOB membership
- Experience in affordable housing, new build or contracting
- Knowledge of local supply chains and Esti-mate software
Why Join Gilbert & Goode?
Bring your skills to a company with a strong regional reputation and a values-led purpose. We build more than homes — we create places where life unfolds. At Gilbert & Goode, we are committed to “building inspiring homes and creating lasting memories”, placing customers at the heart of everything we do.
Award-winning customer satisfaction. We proudly hold the In-house 2026 Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction, reflecting the trust our customers place in us and the exceptional buying experience we deliver.
A leading regional housebuilder with purpose. Since 1972, Gilbert & Goode has grown into one of the South West’s most respected new homes developers, creating inspiring neighbourhoods across Cornwall and Devon.
Your work has real social value. As part of Ocean Housing Group, our profits are gift-aided back to support the delivery of affordable housing. This means your contribution directly helps provide homes for local people and strengthens the communities we serve.
Community-first approach. We believe the most successful developments are shaped by the people who live in them. Community voices influence our designs, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods genuinely meet local needs.
Alongside this sense of purpose, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative, and forward-thinking team, based at our St Austell headquarters with strong local roots and a deep commitment to the region.
Our Benefits
- 27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
- 10% car allowance
- Professional membership fees paid
- Company sick pay scheme
- Workplace pension with death-in-service benefit
- Home office work payment
- Medicash health plan (including dental and optical cover)
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Rewards and recognition programme
- On-site parking
- Employee Assistance Programme
- Family-friendly policies
Closing Date: Thursday 10th of September 2026 at Midnight. Interviews to be held: Wednesday 16th of September 2026. We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon.
Senior Estimator in St Austell employer: Ocean Housing
As a Neighbourhood Services Officer at Ocean Housing, you will be part of a dedicated team that prioritises community well-being and tenant support in the beautiful region of Cornwall. Our inclusive work culture fosters collaboration and personal growth, offering opportunities for professional development while making a meaningful impact on residents' lives. With a strong commitment to employee welfare and a focus on sustainability, Ocean Housing stands out as an exceptional employer for those seeking a rewarding career in community services.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in St Austell
✨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 Ocean Housing, 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 Ocean Housing.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in St Austell
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 Ocean Housing
✨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!
