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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, pension, healthcare, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Join a supportive team and make a real impact on community projects.
- Qualifications: 5-7 years estimating experience in construction, ideally in social housing.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression in a collaborative environment.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary: Competitive c£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.
- 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 Swanley employer: RHL Recruitment
Contact Detail:
RHL Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Swanley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend local construction events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your skills in action! Create a portfolio that highlights your estimating projects, including detailed cost estimates and successful bids. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and understanding of current market trends. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects and how you can contribute to their team.
✨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 and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Swanley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight your experience in social housing refurbishment and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match 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. We love seeing enthusiasm and a personal touch.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with estimating software and your understanding of building processes. We’re keen on candidates who can demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills, so make sure these stand out!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come through our own channels!
How to prepare for a job interview at RHL Recruitment
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your understanding of cost estimates, bills of quantities, and value engineering options. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experience where you successfully managed tenders and how you approached the estimating process.
✨Understand the Market
Familiarise yourself with current market rates, procurement trends, and supply chain capacity in the southern region. This knowledge will not only impress your interviewers but also show that you're proactive and well-prepared to tackle the challenges of the role.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
Highlight your ability to work collaboratively with various teams, such as pre-construction and design. Prepare to share examples of how you've effectively communicated with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders to develop winning strategies for tenders.
✨Showcase Your Software Skills
Make sure you're comfortable discussing your proficiency in estimating software like Causeway or Conquest. If you have experience with Excel-based systems, be prepared to explain how you've used these tools to enhance your estimating processes and improve accuracy in your submissions.