At a Glance
- Tasks: Produce accurate estimates and manage multiple tenders in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Fast-growing contractor with a strong reputation in the UK construction market.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, genuine progression opportunities, and a close-knit team culture.
- Other info: Exciting time to join a business on a clear growth trajectory.
- Why this job: Join a thriving company and make a real impact on exciting projects.
- Qualifications: Proven estimating experience and strong communication skills required.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
The Company
Our client is a main contractor based in the East Midlands. Relatively new to the market but growing fast, they are on course for £120m+ turnover and have built a strong reputation delivering high-quality commercial, industrial, retail and residential schemes — including apartments and hotels — across the UK. With a small but very strong team culture, this is a genuinely exciting time to join a business on a clear growth trajectory, with real scope for progression as they continue to scale.
The Role
We're recruiting for an Estimator to join an established preconstruction team. You'll be self-sufficient and able to hit the ground running, managing two live tenders at any one time — typically one at an early stage and one midway through.
Key Responsibilities
- Producing accurate, competitive estimates across a range of tenders
- Managing multiple live tenders simultaneously, from early-stage to midway through the process
- Working collaboratively with the wider preconstruction and technical team
- Liaising with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing
About You
- Proven estimating experience within main contracting
- Commercial, industrial, retail or residential sector experience preferred, though candidates from other backgrounds will be considered
- Comfortable working autonomously with minimal onboarding
- Strong communication and organisational skills
What's on Offer
- Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days home)
- Genuine progression opportunities within a fast-growing business
- Small, close-knit, highly capable team
Senior Estimator (Freelance) in Derby employer: SearchCo Ltd
As a multi award-winning Main Contractor, this company stands out as an excellent employer by fostering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a strong focus on building long-term relationships and a commitment to delivering high-quality projects, employees benefit from autonomy in their roles, competitive benefits including car allowances and private healthcare, and the opportunity to be part of a rapidly growing family-owned business that values its workforce.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator (Freelance) in Derby
✨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 Senior Estimator (Freelance) in Derby
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 SearchCo Ltd.
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 SearchCo Ltd 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 SearchCo Ltd
✨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 SearchCo Ltd. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
