At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and coordinate construction bids, developing cost plans and strategies for large-scale projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm based in Manchester with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £95,000, car allowance, and excellent package.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for continuous improvement and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while mentoring the next generation of estimators.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in construction estimating and relevant professional qualifications preferred.
The predicted salary is between 95000 - 95000 £ per year.
Location: Manchester
Salary: Up to £95,000 + Car Allowance + Excellent Package
The Role
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Cost Planner to lead and support the preparation of construction bids from feasibility and early-stage cost planning through to contract award. You will be responsible for developing robust cost plans, estimating strategies and commercial submissions across complex, large-scale developments. Working closely with the Cost Planning & Estimating Director and wider project teams, you will coordinate estimating, preliminaries, fees, value engineering, risk and opportunity, and cost plan governance. The role will involve leading bids independently or working as part of a wider commercial team, depending on the scale and complexity of the opportunity. You will also play an important role in mentoring and developing junior members of the estimating and cost planning team.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate cost planning and estimating activities from feasibility through to contract price.
- Develop cost planning strategies, programmes and resource requirements for bids.
- Prepare, review and present cost plans, preliminaries, fees, cost commentary and commercial submissions.
- Coordinate inputs from design, procurement, project management, planning, legal, insurance, construction and commercial teams.
- Ensure cost plans comply with the project brief, client requirements, funding parameters and internal governance processes.
- Quantify and price projects from RIBA Stage 0/1 through to Stage 4, including the analysis of subcontractor and market pricing.
- Manage external cost consultants and quantity surveying resources where required.
- Challenge design teams to deliver efficient solutions within cost plan parameters.
- Lead and support value engineering, value management and design-to-cost initiatives.
- Assess commercial risk, opportunity, contingency, inflation and market conditions.
- Maintain change control and cost movement records through design development and project delivery.
- Develop and maintain benchmarking data, cost databases and market intelligence.
- Analyse design metrics and benchmark data to support cost planning decisions.
- Prepare clear cost narratives and present recommendations to senior stakeholders and governance reviews.
- Support the development of best practice, standards, processes and knowledge sharing across the team.
- Mentor and develop junior estimators and cost planners.
- Contribute to safety, design risk management and the elimination of hazards through the design and conversion process.
Essential Experience and Skills
- Extensive experience in construction estimating, cost planning and commercial management.
- Experience of large-scale, complex and multi-phase developments.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, sequencing, building technology and procurement routes.
- Proven experience across multiple sectors, ideally including commercial and public sector projects.
- Experience leading bids through initial tender and conversion stages.
- Strong understanding of subcontractor markets, tendering and package analysis.
- Experience in value engineering, design-to-cost and risk and opportunity management.
- Strong benchmarking, data analysis and cost forecasting capabilities.
- Advanced Excel and cost management software skills; experience with CostX and Power BI is desirable.
- Ability to peer review work and provide technical guidance to colleagues.
- Strong commercial acumen and the ability to influence and build relationships with stakeholders.
- Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
- Strong organisation, prioritisation and time management skills.
Qualifications
- Relevant professional construction qualification or equivalent experience.
- MRICS, MCIOB or relevant professional chartership preferred.
- Valid CSCS card appropriate to the role.
Key Behaviours
We are looking for someone who demonstrates accountability, ownership and attention to detail, with the ability to manage complexity and deliver to key deadlines. You will be collaborative, commercially focused and confident in influencing stakeholders. You will also be committed to safety, quality, continuous improvement and knowledge sharing, with the ability to lead, mentor and develop others.
Senior Estimator in Manchester employer: Psr-Solutions
Join a forward-thinking infrastructure division that values leadership and innovation, offering the unique opportunity to take full ownership of a well-established rail and civil engineering business. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative work culture, and significant investment in your vision, this role provides the autonomy to drive meaningful change while being supported by a dedicated board. Located in a dynamic environment, you'll have the chance to build high-performing teams and lead projects that make a real impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Manchester
✨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 Psr-Solutions, 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 Psr-Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Manchester
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 Psr-Solutions
✨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!
