At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare detailed cost estimates and lead tender submissions for exciting refurbishment projects.
- Company: Fast-growing contractor transforming urban living spaces in London and the South East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression, flexible working, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with direct access to senior leadership and a strong pipeline of work.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal growth phase and make a real impact on safety-critical projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating, strong commercial acumen, and knowledge of refurbishment or fire safety projects.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
The Company
We are currently partnering with a dynamic and fast-growing main contractor specialising in refurbishment and remediation schemes across London and the South East. Operating predominantly within the social housing sector, the business delivers essential building safety and fire remediation projects, including recladding, passive fire protection, compartmentation, and fire door installations. In addition, they undertake commercial-to-residential conversion schemes, contributing to the transformation of urban living spaces. Project values typically range from £1m to £15m, with clear ambitions to move into larger-scale developments. Despite being a relatively young business, they have already achieved impressive growth—securing 80% of their projected 2026 turnover. With a strong pipeline and an expanding client base, the company is on track to reach £50m turnover by 2028. This is an exciting opportunity to join a business at a pivotal stage of growth, where your contribution will have real impact and visibility.
The Role
Our client is seeking an Estimator or Senior Estimator to join their Central London team. The level of the role is flexible and will be aligned to the experience and capability of the successful candidate. This position will primarily focus on project-based tendering, with occasional involvement in framework pricing. You will play a key role in the pre-construction phase, providing commercial leadership from initial opportunity through to tender settlement. For more experienced candidates, there will be the opportunity to take on greater ownership of tenders, mentor junior team members, and influence wider commercial strategy. The role requires strong take-off capability, commercial acumen, and the ability to produce accurate, competitive, and well-structured estimates aligned with business objectives. Experience within refurbishment, remediation, fit-out, façades, or fire safety projects is highly desirable.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed, accurate, and fully scoped cost estimates for tender submissions
- Interpret project scope, specifications, drawings, and employer’s requirements
- Identify and quantify commercial and technical risks and opportunities
- Develop and maintain robust cost data to support competitive pricing
- Review tender documentation and contract conditions
- Assess risk allocation and identify non-standard or onerous terms
- Provide commercial input for tender clarifications and contract negotiations
- Complete detailed quantity take-offs using digital measurement tools
- Undertake commercial risk assessments to inform pricing strategy and margins
- Review subcontractor quotations for accuracy, compliance, and value
- Lead subcontractor procurement, including evaluation and negotiations
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers
- Represent the business in tender interviews and commercial discussions
What’s on Offer / Benefits
- Competitive salary and attractive benefits package (aligned to level)
- Clear progression pathway within a rapidly growing business
- Opportunity to step into a Senior role or grow into one
- Work on high-profile, safety-critical projects
- Strong pipeline of secured work providing long-term stability
- Collaborative and supportive team culture with direct access to senior leadership
- Exposure to a variety of complex refurbishment and remediation schemes
- Ongoing professional development and training opportunities
- Modern Central London office location with flexible working options
- The chance to make a tangible impact in a business scaling towards £50m turnover
Estimator in City of London employer: Recco
Our client is an exceptional employer, renowned for its commitment to employee development and a collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on nurturing talent and promoting from within, this well-established main contractor offers meaningful career growth opportunities in the thriving construction sector, particularly in the vibrant location of [insert location]. Employees benefit from ongoing training and mentorship, ensuring they are well-equipped to transition into strategic roles while remaining engaged with project delivery.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. The more people you know in the refurbishment and remediation sector, the better your chances of landing that Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to building safety and fire remediation. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show how you can contribute to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your take-off skills! Be ready to discuss your experience with cost estimates and risk assessments. Highlight any specific projects you've worked on that align with their focus on refurbishment and fit-out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your experience in refurbishment, remediation, and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our exciting growth. Keep it concise but impactful—show us what makes you unique!
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Since the role involves detailed cost estimates and risk assessments, make sure to showcase your technical skills. Mention any digital measurement tools you’re familiar with and your approach to commercial risk management.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Recco
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong take-off capability. Brush up on your cost estimation skills and be ready to discuss how you approach detailed, accurate estimates. Prepare examples of past projects where your estimates made a significant impact.
✨Understand the Project Scope
Familiarise yourself with the types of projects the company undertakes, especially in refurbishment and remediation. Be prepared to interpret project specifications and drawings during the interview. Showing that you can identify commercial and technical risks will set you apart.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
The role requires a solid understanding of commercial strategy. Think about how you've contributed to pricing strategies in the past. Be ready to discuss how you assess risk allocation and negotiate contract terms, as this will highlight your ability to provide commercial leadership.
✨Build Relationships
Since the role involves leading subcontractor procurement and building relationships with clients and suppliers, think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others. Highlight your communication skills and how you’ve navigated tender interviews or commercial discussions in previous roles.