Senior Estimator
Salary: £50,000 – £60,000 DOE
Model: Hybrid working available
The Role
An established and successful business operating within the construction sector is looking for an experienced Senior Estimator to join its commercial team.
This is a key role combining hands-on estimating with responsibility for managing a small team of two.
The successful candidate will take ownership of tenders and pricing, while supporting and developing the team and helping to improve estimating processes and ways of working.
You will work across a varied portfolio of projects, from initial enquiry and site assessment through to preparation and submission of competitive tenders.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage, support and develop a team of two
- Allocate workload across the estimating team and ensure deadlines are met
- Prepare detailed estimates, cost plans and quotations for a variety of projects
- Review tender documentation, drawings and specifications
- Undertake site visits and measure works where required
- Calculate labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors
- Prepare accurate and commercially competitive tender submissions
- Review estimates and quotations prepared by the team to ensure viability
- Take the lead on more complex tenders and projects
- Identify potential commercial risks and opportunities
- Liaise closely with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal teams
- Work alongside operational and commercial colleagues to ensure projects are accurately priced
- Monitor costs and margins to ensure proposed works are commercially viable
- Manage multiple tenders and priorities simultaneously
- Review current estimating procedures and implement improvements to processes and ways of working
- Help drive efficiency and consistency across the estimating function
The Ideal Candidate
- Previous estimating experience within construction sector
- Previous experience managing, supervising or mentoring a team or ability to do so
- Strong hands-on estimating experience – this is not purely a management position
- Excellent commercial and numerical skills
- Experience interpreting drawings, specifications and tender documentation
- Confident undertaking measurements and producing detailed costings
- Strong understanding of labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs
- Good negotiation and supplier management skills
- Confident managing multiple tenders and deadlines
- Strong attention to detail
- Good IT skills, including Excel
- A proactive approach with the confidence to identify and implement improvements
- Strong communication and leadership skills
Benefits
- £50,000 – £60,000 salary, depending on experience
- Hybrid working
- 25 days' holiday plus bank holidays
- Monday–Friday working
- Established and successful business
- Varied portfolio of projects
- Opportunity to manage and develop a small team
- High level of autonomy and the opportunity to make improvements within the department
Senior Estimator in Leatherhead employer: Optima Recruitment Careers
As a fast-growing international business located in Esher, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our employees enjoy competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and ample opportunities for professional development, ensuring that you can grow alongside the company. Join us to be part of a supportive team where your contributions are recognised and rewarded, making a meaningful impact in the finance sector.
Contact Details:
Optima Recruitment Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Leatherhead
✨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 Optima Recruitment Careers, 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 Optima Recruitment Careers.
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 Optima Recruitment Careers
✨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!
