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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare detailed estimates and manage tenders from start to finish.
- Company: Well-established regional contractor with a strong pipeline of diverse projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, bonuses, pension, and long-term growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a team where your input is valued and make a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a main contractor.
- Other info: Flexible freelance options available with ongoing work.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re recruiting for a solid regional build contractor in the East Midlands who’s looking to bring in an Estimator or Senior Estimator to strengthen their pre-con team. They’ve got a healthy pipeline of work and need someone who can price properly, think commercially, and be a key part of the work-winning side of the business — not just sit in the background crunching numbers.
The Company
Well-established regional contractor delivering a mix of:
- Industrial & commercial builds
- Education schemes
- Healthcare projects
- General build work
Project values typically sit between £2m–£20m+. Lots of repeat clients, realistic programmes, and a management team that actually values input from pre-construction.
The Role
You’ll be involved from enquiry stage through to submission, working closely with the commercial and delivery teams. Day to day will include:
- Preparing detailed estimates and tender submissions
- Pricing from drawings, specs and BOQs
- Sending out enquiries and analysing subcontractor returns
- Value engineering and finding practical cost savings
- Attending pre- and post-tender meetings
- Managing several tenders at different stages
Senior level candidates will also be expected to lead larger bids, help shape bid strategy, and support/mentor more junior staff.
What They Want
- Experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a main contractor
- Background in general building projects (not just one niche)
- Comfortable across commercial, industrial, education type schemes
- Good understanding of construction methods and market rates
- Experience with estimating software (Conquest, Causeway or similar)
- Able to manage workload and deadlines without drama
- Commercially aware and detail-focused
What’s On Offer
Permanent:
- Competitive salary
- Car allowance or company car
- Bonus
- Pension & benefits
- Proper long-term opportunity with a growing regional business
Freelance:
- Good day rate
- Ongoing pipeline of work
- Flexible engagement
Ideal for someone based in or within reach of the East Midlands who wants to be part of a contractor where estimators actually have a voice.
Estimator / Senior Estimator employer: Oyster Communications
Contact Detail:
Oyster Communications Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator / Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their projects, especially in the East Midlands. We want you to show them you’re not just another candidate, but someone who genuinely understands their work and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in commercial and industrial builds. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of the mirror to boost your confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We’re here to help you every step of the way, so let’s get you that Estimator position!
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator / Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get Your CV Spot On: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your experience with commercial and industrial projects, and don’t forget to mention any estimating software you’ve used. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Show Off Your Skills: In your cover letter, let us know about your ability to manage multiple tenders and your knack for finding cost savings. We’re looking for someone who can think commercially, so share examples of how you've done this in the past.
Be Yourself: Don’t be afraid to let your personality shine through in your application. We value input from our estimators, so show us how you can contribute to our team culture. A bit of character goes a long way!
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. Don’t wait too long; we’re expecting a high volume of applicants!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oyster Communications
✨Know Your Numbers
Make sure you brush up on your estimating skills before the interview. Be prepared to discuss how you approach pricing from drawings, specs, and BOQs. Having specific examples of past projects where you successfully managed costs will really impress them.
✨Show Your Commercial Savvy
This role requires a strong commercial mindset, so be ready to talk about how you've identified cost savings or value engineering in previous roles. Think of instances where your insights led to better project outcomes and be ready to share those stories.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Their Projects
Research the types of projects this contractor typically handles, like industrial, commercial, and education schemes. Being able to reference their work and express genuine interest in their projects will show that you're not just looking for any job, but that you want to be part of their team.
✨Prepare for Team Dynamics
Since you'll be working closely with commercial and delivery teams, think about how you can demonstrate your teamwork skills. Prepare examples of how you've collaborated with others in the past, especially in high-pressure situations, to show that you can manage workload and deadlines without drama.
