At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial function and manage estimating for exciting housing projects.
- Company: Established groundworks and civil engineering contractor in the North West.
- Benefits: Long-term freelance role with potential for permanent position and competitive pay.
- Other info: Immediate start available with a strong pipeline of projects up to £10m.
- Why this job: Take ownership of a key department and drive growth in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantity surveying or estimating, especially in groundworks and civil engineering.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are working with an established groundworks civil engineering contractor specialising in new-build housing developments across the North West. Due to continued growth and an increasing workload, they are looking to appoint a Senior Quantity Surveyor / Estimator to head up their commercial function. This is a key appointment for the business, with responsibility for managing the commercial and estimating function across a range of residential groundworks and civil engineering projects.
The Role
You will take ownership of the commercial side of the business, working closely with the Directors, operational teams and clients from tender stage through to final account. Projects typically include:
- New-build housing developments
- Groundworks and infrastructure
- Roads and drainage
- Section 278 / 38 works
- Sewers and utilities
- Plot works and foundations
- External works and infrastructure
- Projects ranging in value up to £10m
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the commercial function
- Prepare and review tenders, estimates and budgets
- Manage subcontractor procurement and packages
- Cost planning and forecasting
- Prepare valuations, applications and payment assessments
- Manage variations, change control and commercial risk
- Cost reporting and project forecasting
- Subcontractor account management
- Client and main contractor liaison
- Prepare and agree final accounts
- Identify opportunities to improve margins and commercial performance
- Work closely with the Directors to support the company's continued growth
About You
We are looking for an experienced Quantity Surveyor / Estimator with a strong background in groundworks and civil engineering, ideally gained within the new-build housing sector. You should have a good understanding of:
- Residential groundworks
- Plots, roads and sewers
- Infrastructure and drainage
- Civil engineering packages
- Estimating and tendering
- Subcontract procurement
- Commercial management and cost control
This would suit someone who is currently operating at Senior QS / Commercial Manager level, or an experienced QS/Estimator looking for the opportunity to take ownership of a commercial department within a growing contractor.
Why Join?
- Immediate start available
- Long-term freelance opportunity
- Permanent position available for the right person
- Opportunity to head up and develop the commercial function
- Direct involvement with the company Directors
- Strong pipeline of North West residential projects
- Projects up to £10m
- Opportunity to play a key role in the company's continued growth
If you're an experienced QS/Estimator from a groundworks, civil engineering or residential infrastructure background and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd be keen to speak with you. Apply now for a confidential discussion.
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.
Estimator in Northwich employer: Search
Search is an exceptional employer that values innovation and growth, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive in their careers. With hybrid working options in vibrant cities like Edinburgh and London, we provide our team with the flexibility to balance work and life while enjoying competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development in the travel industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Northwich
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Northwich
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Search.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Search know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Search
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Search. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
