At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage the tender process and produce competitive bids for high-profile projects.
- Company: Agile main contractor in Mayfair, specialising in luxury and commercial sectors.
- Benefits: Attractive salary, involvement in prestigious projects, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Immediate start available; diverse and inclusive workplace.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact on world-class projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as an Estimator with strong analytical and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Mayfair, London
Position Type: Permanent
Salary: 65,000 - 70,000 (DOE)
Start Date: Immediate Start
About the Company
We are an agile, forward-thinking main contractor based in Mayfair, London. We specialize in delivering world-class, multi-million-pound projects across high-end residential, luxury fit-out, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Our team applies cutting-edge engineering and a boutique service approach to deliver superior results for our clients.
To support our continued growth, we are looking for an experienced and commercially driven Estimator to join our team. If you also possess Quantity Surveying experience, that will be considered a strong bonus!
The Role
Your primary focus will be on the front end of the business: winning projects. We need a sharp, highly analytical Estimator who can take ownership of the full tendering process. You will be responsible for producing accurate, competitive bids that help secure high-profile projects in London and beyond.
If you bring a Quantity Surveying background, your role can extend into post-contract commercial management once a project is secured, giving you full financial oversight from tender stage through to final accounts.
Main Responsibilities (Estimating):
- Manage the full tender and bidding process from initial enquiry to final submission, ensuring competitive positioning to win target projects.
- Analyze project drawings, specifications, and scope of works to prepare detailed cost estimates, cost plans, and Bills of Quantities (BoQ).
- Liaise closely with clients, architects, and internal design/delivery teams to fully understand scope requirements.
- Source, evaluate, and negotiate with subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing.
- Identify commercial risks, value engineering opportunities, and alternative solutions during the tender stage.
- Prepare and present tender settlement reports for final sign-off by leadership.
Bonus Responsibilities (If you have QS Experience):
- Handle post-contract commercial duties including interim valuations, variations, and final account negotiations.
- Manage subcontractor procurement, applications, and ongoing commercial performance on live jobs.
- Produce regular cost reports (CVRs) and financial forecasts for delivery teams.
Who We Are Looking For:
- Proven experience working as an Estimator for a UK main contractor (exposure to high-end residential, fit-out, or commercial projects is preferred).
- A strong, demonstrable track record of winning bids and securing profitable schemes.
- QS experience is highly desirable but not mandatory - we welcome applications from pure Estimators.
- Strong negotiation, numerical, and analytical capabilities.
- A proactive professional who thrives in an agile, fast-paced commercial environment.
- Available to start immediately or on short notice.
What We Offer:
- Permanent salary of 65,000 - 70,000 (DOE).
- Direct involvement in prestigious, high-end projects.
- A collaborative work environment in central Mayfair.
How to Apply:
Please submit an up-to-date CV detailing your relevant main contracting project history and tender success.
Candidates must be eligible to live and work in the UK.
Estimator in London employer: Randstad
Leeds City Council is an exceptional employer for Children's Social Workers, offering a supportive and innovative work environment dedicated to the well-being of children in care. With a focus on meaningful practice and strong management support, employees have the opportunity to make a real difference in the lives of young people while benefiting from ongoing professional development and collaboration with various agencies. Located in Leeds, this role provides a chance to work within a vibrant community committed to child-centred care and advocacy.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in London
✨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 Randstad, 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 Randstad.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in London
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 Randstad
✨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!
