Estimator - Groundworks in Bury St Edmunds
About the role
- Estimator – Groundworks
- Bury St Edmunds area, Suffolk
We are currently searching for an experienced groundworks estimator on behalf of a successful Suffolk based contractor.
The company work within the residential and commercial sectors with project sizes up to £4 million.
The role would suit an estimator looking to take a step up towards senior level or an established senior who is looking for a company where they are respected and given the autonomy to take ownership of tenders from beginning to end.
The company pride themselves on their friendly and professional culture.
For this role you will need to be ambitious, self motivated and able to work both independently and within a team of like minded individuals.
You will have excellent communication skills, both verbally and written, and you will need to hold a clean driving license.
You need to be a conscientious, organised and a pro-active team player, highly motivated and committed to achieving company targets and always focused on the task in hand.
You should be able to use initiative and prioritise effectively to meet tight deadlines, working independently or as part of a team.
This is an office based role, working alongside the Directors & Contracts Managers.
There will be a mixture of office based and site visits.
Experience of working for a groundworks contractor is essential.
ROLE
- Ideally the ability to price from first principals.
- Taking-off from drawings to produce detailed cost plans and quantity checks on the produced BQs
- Leading the tender enquiry process
- Allocation of elemental BQ items into works packages
- Working with the supply chain to provide value engineering options
- Providing information on key risks and opportunities at tender settlement
- Pricing competitive tenders under the direction of the estimating director
- Reviewing contract and other commercial data
- Attending client meetings
- Presenting tender information to project teams
- Taking off groundwork’s packages
- Liaising with buying department to obtain material quotations
- Pricing groundworks on Labour, Plant and Materials basis for Pre-Construction Managers review
- Tender adjudication with Commercial Director
- Pricing variations and additions
- Creating material lists and obtaining and comparing quotations
- Conducting site visits
CANDIDATE
- Previous employment within a Groundworks Contractor
- Knowledge in Residential and Commercial Groundworks & Civil Engineering
- Computer skills – need to be proficient on Microsoft Office packages
- Experience with Conquest and Excel estimating software is desired.
- Excellent spoken and written English
- Strong numeracy skills with the ability to think commercially
- Team player, ability to work under pressure & strong time management skills
Your tasks
Estimate costs for groundworks projects and lead tender processes.
Your profile
Experience in groundworks estimation and strong communication skills required.
What's also included
Competitive salary, professional development, and autonomy in your role.
Tech stack & ways of working
Estimator - Groundworks in Bury St Edmunds employer: PlantLink Recruitment Ltd
PlantLink Recruitment Ltd is an excellent employer for Mobile Plant Fitters, offering a competitive salary and generous overtime pay. With a strong focus on employee growth through training and career progression, along with additional benefits like a company vehicle and pension scheme, the work culture promotes both professional development and job satisfaction in the vibrant city of London.
View PlantLink Recruitment Ltd profile
Your perspectives
Take ownership of exciting projects and grow your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 PlantLink Recruitment Ltd, 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 - Groundworks at PlantLink Recruitment Ltd.
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 PlantLink Recruitment Ltd
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!
Locations
- Bury St Edmunds
