Estimator in Belfast

Portview are continuing to grow as a leading Fit-Out contractor in the UK & Ireland and have a requirement to employ an additional experienced estimator to join an exceptional team who fuel the company’s growth. The Estimator will work closely with the Estimating Director and Contracts teams to prepare accurate, competitive, and fully compliant cost estimates for fit-out projects across the UK & Ireland. The role is responsible for the end-to-end tender pricing process, including cost planning, subcontract procurement, risk and opportunity assessment, and bid submission, ensuring alignment with company standards and commercial objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Assess the type of tender, client and closing date of tender to determine prioritisation of all tenders.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, forms of contracts & other documentation to prepare comprehensive build up cost estimates / bills of quantities primarily on estimating software.
• Prepare cost budgets and cost estimates for new contracts.
• Adhere to company standards and guidelines when analysing and providing estimations; focus on maximising profit and customer satisfaction, while minimising any potential risks to the company.
• Prepare detailed, thorough proposals for each client, adhering to client guidelines while offering competitive and comprehensive cost estimates, and including supplementary documentation.
• Maintain relationships with existing clients keeping a sales-minded attitude, and seek out and build relationships with new clients.
• Work with contracts teams and design team to help with development, innovation, and creativity on client projects.
• Keep detailed records of all estimation documentation, including site assessments and contract terms; update any existing contracts immediately upon agreement of new terms with client. Upload information onto Portview’s cloud-based system.
• Work with the client on all changes in scope, questions or clarifications regarding the work, during the bidding process.
• Identification of project risks and opportunities and relevant costing of same.
• Balance multiple proposals and estimations at once, ensuring each reaches the client by the deadline.
• Liaise with other company departments to maintain business development and continuously innovate new profitable outcomes.
• Develop subcontract interest in projects and manage the subcontractor process.
• Prepare, issue, receive and review supplier and subcontractor proposals and costs.
• Conduct site inspection for tender understanding, analysis of conditions and assessment of risk and identification of activities that may or may not be shown in tender documents including value engineering where appropriate.
• Attend and participate in onsite meetings with clients, owners, representatives, staff, sub trades, contractors, and other project stakeholders.
• Assemble bid-files including all development information that was utilised in preparation of the estimates for bid adjudication.
• Maintain up-to-date and accurate contact information for suppliers, sub-contractors and clients.
• Ensure all tenders follow Portview’s internal governance, approval, and audit procedures prior to submission.
• Feed into best practice and continuous development of the estimating function.

Qualifications & Skills

• Fit-out construction methodologies and sequencing.
• Tendering and procurement processes.
• JCT and NEC forms of contract.
• Building Regulations and statutory compliance (incl. fire & acoustics).
• BIM awareness, including Revit and coordination principles.
• Commercial awareness and cost risk management.
• Accuracy of cost plans and tender submissions.
• Success rate in winning work.
• Take off skills & speed of same.
• Understanding of bespoke projects.
• Client reviews.
• Proactive reporting of cost, risk, or programme deviations.
• Third level qualification in a related discipline and/or previous experience working in a similar role within the Fit-Out industry.
• Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Understanding of JCT/NEC contracts.
• Organised and can work to strict deadlines.
• Experience of Microsoft office, particularly Excel, Word & Outlook.
• Ability to work on own initiative.
• Ability to travel when required to UK for site visits/meetings etc as required.
• Driving licence.
• Well versed in compiling written or computerised take offs.
• Knowledge of building compliance requirements including fire & acoustics.
• Ability to work as part of a team.
• Commercially astute with the ability to challenge scope and assumptions.
• Strong written reporting and presentation skills for bid submissions.
• Comply with all company health, safety and environmental procedures and actively support sustainable and responsible estimating practices.