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- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders for social housing refurbishment and maintenance projects.
- Company: Leading contractor in social housing with a strong regional presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and career progression.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real difference in community projects.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years estimating experience in construction, strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Mentorship opportunities and a collaborative work environment await you.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: NW Kent
Salary: Competitive £50-65k + benefits (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
About the Company
Our client is a leading main contractor specialising in social housing refurbishment, planned maintenance, and regeneration projects. With a strong presence across the southern region, they deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for local authorities, housing associations, and framework partners.
Role Overview
The Senior Estimator will play a key role within the team, preparing accurate and competitive tenders for social housing refurbishment and maintenance projects. Working from the office, you will manage all estimating activities across the Southern region, ensuring bids are compliant, commercially viable, and aligned with client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and submission of detailed cost estimates for social housing refurbishment, planned maintenance, and decarbonisation projects.
- Analyse tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to assess project requirements and risks.
- Produce accurate bills of quantities, cost plans, and value engineering options.
- Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations.
- Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings to assess scope and site conditions.
- Work collaboratively with the pre-construction, design, and operational teams to develop winning strategies.
- Review tender submissions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with company policies.
- Contribute to post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams.
- Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market rates, procurement trends, and supply chain capacity in the southern region.
- Mentor and support junior estimators within the team.
Key Requirements
- Minimum 5–7 years’ estimating experience within the construction industry, ideally focused on social housing refurbishment, planned maintenance, or fit-out projects.
- Proven ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously and work to tight deadlines.
- Excellent technical and commercial understanding of building refurbishment processes, materials, and trades.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and negotiation skills.
- Proficient in estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Conquest, Excel-based systems).
- Familiarity with schedule of rates (SORs) and framework tendering for public sector clients.
- Good communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the southern region when required.
Desirable
- Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
- Experience in Decent Homes, Planned Works, External Wall Insulation, or Net Zero retrofit programmes.
- Membership of RICS, CIOB, or similar professional body (or working towards).
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary and car allowance
- Company pension and healthcare benefits
- Hybrid working (Swanley office / site / home)
- Career progression within a growing regional business
- Supportive, collaborative working environment
Estimator in Kent employer: RHL Recruitment
Contact Detail:
RHL Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Kent
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for social housing refurbishment and how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! When it comes to salary discussions, be ready to articulate your worth based on your experience and the value you bring to the team. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for talented estimators like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Kent
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in social housing refurbishment and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 your background makes you the perfect fit. Don’t forget to mention your familiarity with estimating software and your ability to manage multiple tenders.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your estimating skills and commercial understanding. We love numbers, so if you can quantify your successes, even better!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at RHL Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your estimating software and be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects. Prepare examples of cost estimates you've created and be ready to explain your thought process.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current market rates and procurement trends in the southern region. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and well-informed about the industry. Bring along any recent data or reports that highlight your understanding.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
The role involves working closely with various teams, so be prepared to discuss how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Think of specific examples where you worked with pre-construction, design, or operational teams to develop winning strategies for tenders.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about building refurbishment processes and materials. Review key concepts related to social housing refurbishment and planned maintenance. Being able to articulate your technical knowledge will set you apart from other candidates and show your suitability for the role.