Building Estimator Location: Derby / East Midlands Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience Working Hours: Monday - Friday, full-time The Opportunity An established construction contractor is looking to recruit an experienced Building Estimator to join its commercial team. The business delivers a range of building and construction projects, covering new build, refurbishment and general construction works across a variety of sectors. This is an opportunity for an Estimator who can take ownership of the tendering process, from reviewing initial drawings and specifications through to producing accurate cost estimates and submitting competitive tenders. You'll work closely with the commercial and pre-construction teams, as well as subcontractors and suppliers, to ensure projects are priced accurately and commercially. Key Responsibilities Prepare detailed cost estimates for a range of building and construction projects. Review tender documentation, architectural drawings and specifications to establish the full scope of works. Carry out accurate measurements and quantity take-offs. Break down project costs, including labour, materials, plant, preliminaries and subcontractor packages. Send out enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers, obtain quotations and compare returned prices. Negotiate rates and identify opportunities to improve tender costs without compromising quality. Identify any gaps, risks or discrepancies within tender documentation. Prepare detailed tender submissions, pricing schedules and supporting documentation. Liaise with clients, consultants and the supply chain throughout the tender process. Work alongside Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers to ensure a smooth handover when projects are secured.What We're Looking For Previous experience in a Building Estimator or Construction Estimator position. Background working for a main contractor or general building contractor. Good understanding of building construction methods, materials and sequencing. Confident interpreting construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation. Experience producing detailed estimates and pricing projects from initial enquiry through to tender submission. Good knowledge of subcontractor procurement and supplier negotiations. Strong numerical skills with excellent attention to detail. Good working knowledge of Excel and estimating software. Able to manage multiple tenders and work to deadlines.What's on Offer Competitive salary depending on experience. Monday to Friday working hours. Opportunity to join an established and growing construction business. Varied project portfolio across different construction sectors. Supportive commercial team and opportunities for professional development. Long-term opportunity within an established contractor.Interested? If you're an Estimator with a background in general building or construction and are looking for your next opportunity, we'd be interested in hearing from you. Get in touch for a confidential discussion and further information about the position
Building Estimator in Derby employer: Streamline Search
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Technical Designer in the bespoke joinery sector, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions recognised. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee growth, offering opportunities for continuous learning and development in a supportive environment. Located in a vibrant area, we provide competitive salaries and a commitment to quality, ensuring that you can thrive both professionally and personally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Building Estimator in Derby
✨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 Streamline Search, 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 Building Estimator at Streamline Search.
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 Streamline Search
✨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!
