At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead cost estimates and tenders for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a growing pre-construction team in a dynamic environment.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £70k, flexible working options, and career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities to challenge and innovate.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on diverse projects across various sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Senior Estimator with strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 70000 £ per year.
Location: Flexible / Office-Based
Salary: Up to £70k (dependent on experience)
The Role
I'm seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Estimator to join a growing pre-construction team. This is a key position within the business, responsible for leading the estimating function across a diverse portfolio of fit out, refurbishment and construction projects.
The successful candidate will be a highly analytical and switched-on individual who can confidently challenge supply chain pricing, identify commercial risks and opportunities, and ensure tenders are submitted competitively whilst protecting project profitability. Working closely with Directors, Operations teams, Design Consultants and Supply Chain Partners, you will play a pivotal role in securing profitable work across multiple sectors including commercial, healthcare, education, retail and leisure.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation and submission of detailed cost estimates, tenders and budget proposals.
- Analyse drawings, specifications and tender documentation to identify risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
- Obtain, review and critically assess subcontractor and supplier quotations, challenging costs where necessary to ensure best value.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with the supply chain to secure competitive and accurate pricing.
- Identify scope gaps, ambiguities and commercial risks within tender enquiries.
- Work closely with operational teams to develop realistic construction methodologies and programmes.
- Attend pre-tender meetings, site visits and client interviews as required.
- Support negotiations with clients, consultants and subcontractors throughout the tender process.
- Maintain and develop estimating databases, benchmark costs and market intelligence.
- Assist in the handover of successful tenders to delivery teams.
Key Requirements
- Proven experience in a Senior Estimator role within construction, fit out or refurbishment.
- Strong understanding of commercial, healthcare, education, retail and leisure projects.
- Excellent commercial awareness with the confidence to question and challenge quotations, assumptions and costs.
- Ability to identify risks and opportunities that others may overlook.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials and procurement routes.
- Highly organised with exceptional attention to detail.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively whilst maintaining a commercial mindset.
- Proficient in estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
Senior Estimator employer: Think Recruitment
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Senior Estimator, where your expertise will be valued and rewarded. Our flexible working environment promotes a healthy work-life balance, while our commitment to employee development ensures you have ample opportunities for growth and advancement. With a diverse portfolio of projects across various sectors, you'll find meaningful work that challenges you and contributes to the success of our company.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨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 Think Recruitment, 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 at Think Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
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 Think Recruitment
✨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!
