D&B Estimator – Leisure and bespoke residential– Central/South West London Salary/Rate: £400 per day Outside IR35 or 80,000 + package O’Neill and Brennan are currently working with a rapidly growing main contractor who specialise in luxury residential and leisure Design & Builds who are seeking to take on a mid-level Estimator to join them in their luxurious southwest/central London office. They are seeking someone with experience of pricing up from first principles and who has worked on Design & Build projects ideally on the higher specification side of the residential and leisure sectors. The business has an excellent pipeline of work and continue to diversify their portfolio picking up bigger and more technically challenging jobs and can therefore offer extremely strong progression and job security. Role Overview: Title: Design & Build Estimator Projects: Luxury residential and Leisure projects Location: Central Southwest London Project Values: Approximately £10m – £30m Salary/ Rate: £80,000 + Package or £400 per day Outside IR35 Type: Contract/ Contract-to-Perm / Perm Start: ASAP but can wait for the right person Responsibilities: Prepare detailed estimates from first principles, taking off quantities from architectural, structural and M&E drawings and specifications. Build up tender prices using established cost databases, subcontractor quotations and independently assessed rates. Manage subcontractor enquiries, analysing and comparing quotations to identify exclusions, scope gaps, design responsibilities and programme assumptions. Price preliminaries, considering project programmes, site logistics, access constraints and long-lead items. Identify and manage tender risks, allowances, assumptions and exclusions, ensuring any gaps in the information are appropriately accounted for. Support tender reviews and bid decisions, maintaining accurate cost information and providing clear handovers to the delivery team on successful projects. Assist with tender administration, including maintaining bid trackers, managing enquiries and clarifications, and coordinating subcontractor documentation. Make use of digital tools and AI-supported processes to streamline estimating and tender administration, ensuring all outputs are checked for accuracy. Requirements: Around four or more years' experience in estimating for a main or principal contractor, ideally across high-end residential, leisure, hotel or refurbishment projects. Experience pricing Design & Build projects, with an understanding of JCT Design & Build contracts and associated commercial risks. Confident taking off quantities from drawings and specifications, with the ability to interpret architectural, structural and M&E information. Experience building up prices from first principles and analysing subcontractor quotations to identify exclusions, discrepancies and scope gaps. Strong commercial awareness, with an organised and methodical approach to pricing, risk management and tender documentation. Good Excel skills and the ability to maintain accurate cost databases, trackers and tender records. Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work independently and manage competing tender deadlines. Previous experience with Bluebeam, zzTakeoff, cost databases or SharePoint would be advantageous, although familiarity with similar systems is also relevant. Right to work in the UK. If you're an Estimator with main contractor experience looking to work on high-specification residential and leisure Design & Build projects, please contact Ned Scott-Mends on (phone number removed) to discuss the opportunity. O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation
Estimator in Chelsea employer: O'Neill & Brennan
Join a leading construction contractor in Haywards Heath as a Resident Liaison Officer, where you will be at the forefront of community engagement during a major project. Our supportive and collaborative work culture prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities to expand your skills in project logistics while ensuring a positive experience for residents and stakeholders alike. With competitive pay and a commitment to diversity and equality, this role is perfect for those looking to make a meaningful impact in their community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Chelsea
✨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 O'Neill & Brennan, 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 O'Neill & Brennan.
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 O'Neill & Brennan
✨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!
