At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce cost plans and lead tender processes for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join R G Carter, a leading family-run construction business with diverse projects.
- Benefits: Stable career growth, training opportunities, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Flexible work options and opportunities to develop within a growing company.
- Why this job: Make an impact in construction while working on innovative and challenging projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 37800 - 46200 £ per year.
Background
R G Carter Ipswich are seeking to recruit an Experienced Estimator to join their established team of professionals, based in their Ipswich office.
The successful candidate will be joining one of the largest family run construction business’ dealing with a diverse range of interesting and challenging projects across multiple sectors.
For this role you will need to be ambitious, self-motivated and able to work both independently and within our team of likeminded 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 your initiative and prioritise effectively to meet tight deadlines, working independently or as part of a team.
This is an office-based role, working alongside and with the existing Estimating Team based in Ipswich.
There may be the flexibility to work in different R G Carter offices, depending on location.
Experience from leading Commercial, MOD, Education and Healthcare projects would be ideal but not essential.
Also experience within various procurement routes such as D&B, Traditional and 2 Stage, valuing from £2m to circa £30m would be useful but not essential.
Further guidance and training will be given by our senior team.
Our current working sectors include healthcare, education, defence, R&D, life sciences, commercial and industrial and some residential (apartments and student residential).
This role would be suited to an intermediate estimator looking of his next move with a financially secure and stable organisation which is expanding and developing into new regions.
Alternatively, this would also suit an experienced estimator who is looking to move up and join a larger company and share their experience with an estimating team, and to develop a career with forward thinking business who aim to promote from within.
Key Responsibilities
- Producing cost plans from RIBA stage 0 (elementally on historic data) to stage 3 (fully measured and rated). Ideally the ability to price from first principals.
- Taking off from drawings using Autodesk Design Review/ Blue beam 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
- Subcontractor comparisons & identifying scope gaps
- Working with the supply chain to provide value engineering options
- Pricing of site preliminaries
- Providing information on key risks and opportunities at tender settlement
- Using BCIS data to elementally benchmark, TPIs for inflation forecasting & rebasing with location factorisation
- Pricing competitive tenders under the direction of the Preconstruction manager
- Reviewing contract and other commercial data
- Attending client meetings
- Presenting tender information to project teams
- Reviewing tender documents prior to pricing and completing ‘Enquiry Checklist’ to determine pricing level
- Taking off groundwork’s packages if required
- Completing ‘Risk and Opportunity’ Registers
- Liaising with buying department to obtain material quotations
- Pricing groundworks on Labour, Plant and Materials basis for Pre-Construction Managers review
- Tender adjudication with Senior Leadership team
- Pricing variations and additions
- Creating material lists and obtaining and comparing quotations
- Conducting site visits
- Key Skills & Knowledge
- Good organisation skills
- Computer skills – need to be proficient on Microsoft Office packages. Experience with Causeway and Excel estimating software is desired.
- Excellent spoken and written English
- A good, clear telephone manner is essential as there will be client interface during the daily works, including Teams meetings.
- Demonstrated a strong work ethic throughout their career is essential.
- Strong numeracy skills with the ability to think commercially
- Team player, ability to work under pressure & strong time management skills
Experience
- Main Contracting background working on similar schemes that we carry out like schools, healthcare, defence, public buildings etc from a value of £2m to £40m
Estimator in Suffolk employer: R G Carter
R G Carter is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture in Norwich that values employee development and growth. As a Payroll Administrator, you will benefit from comprehensive training and the chance to enhance your skills in a structured environment, all while being part of a team that prioritises compliance and efficiency.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Suffolk
✨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 R G Carter, 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 at R G Carter.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Suffolk
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 R G Carter
✨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!
