At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost estimates for construction projects and manage tender processes.
- Company: Join a family-run business with strong values and a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, life assurance, gym discounts, and 50% off skip hire.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and access to mental health support.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a growing company focused on sustainability and community.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in construction estimating or a Quantity Surveyor looking to transition.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South‑West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.
The Senior Construction Estimator plays a critical role in securing profitable work by leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially sound cost estimates for construction projects across the business. We are seeking an experienced Estimator with 5+ years proven experience estimating in the Construction industry. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of contracts, excellent financial acumen and strong negotiation and leadership skills. A Quantity Surveyor who wishes to progress into estimating would also be suitable.
Responsibilities for the job role:
- Working on groundworks and civil engineering projects
- Maintain and develop relationships with clients & suppliers
- Always work closely with the pre‑contract team and stakeholders
- Manage incoming tenders, ITTs and workload
- Arrange and chair tender launch meetings
- Visit site and determine site conditions, where applicable
- Understand the tender / ITT instructions; work with the pre‑contract team to determine own actions and those to be undertaken by others
- Undertake measurement in accordance with prevailing methods and standards
- Create and deliver sustainable strategies to secure profitable tender & ITT opportunities
- Price detailed tenders, using company software, identifying resource requirements, activity outputs, best subcontractor and supplier rates
- Prepare target prices, budgets and rates from first principles
- Complete cost comparisons
- Price Bills of Quantities and Activity Schedules - prepare compliant tenders & quotations
- Prepare tender books and profit plans for internal tender settlements
- Prepare risk registers for incorporation into the Contract documentation and for use within live projects
- Review and understand tender instructions and proposed conditions of (sub)contract
- Complete tender and submit approved tenders & quotations
- Manage and prepare amendments to tender during the tender process
- Engage with Clients, Consultants and Main Contractors when preparing tenders and actively follow up our submissions to improve likelihood of success
- Help build a scalable estimating team aligned with the future business growth
What can we offer you?
- Be part of a successful family run business
- Life Assurance Scheme
- Competitive Salary
- Free on‑site Parking
- Corporate gym membership discount
- Annual Salary Review
- Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
- Progression opportunities
- 24 hour unlimited access to mental health support
What are our core values?
- Honesty – We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.
- Family values – We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.
- Hardworking – We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.
- Reliability – We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.
- Environmental sustainability – We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.
Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.
Senior Estimator - Construction & Groundworks in Stroud employer: Smith's Gloucester Limited
At Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd, we pride ourselves on being a family-run business that values integrity, hard work, and environmental sustainability. As a Senior Estimator, you will not only play a pivotal role in our construction projects but also benefit from a supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth, competitive salaries, and comprehensive mental health support. Join us in making a meaningful impact across the South-West of England while enjoying unique perks like a corporate gym membership discount and significant employee discounts.
Contact Details:
Smith's Gloucester Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator - Construction & Groundworks in Stroud
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Smith's Gloucester Limited, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Estimator - Construction & Groundworks at Smith's Gloucester Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator - Construction & Groundworks in Stroud
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Smith's Gloucester Limited
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
