Estimator - Full Time Position
Location: Cheltenham
Salary: £50,000-£60,000+ Package
About the Role
We are looking for an Estimator to produce accurate, competitive and well-qualified tenders that secure new work across both of our divisions. The role covers a broad and varied pipeline, from larger single and two-stage design and build schemes within Construction through to smaller projects, reactive works and framework pricing. Working alongside the Bid Manager, Commercial and Operations teams, you will make sure each submission reflects realistic costs, programme and risk.
Key Responsibilities
Tender Preparation
- Study tender documentation, drawings, specifications and contract conditions to fully understand the scope, risks and client expectations.
- Develop detailed estimates from first principles, carrying out measurement and take-off where no bill of quantities is supplied.
- Build up rates for labour, plant, materials and preliminaries using up-to-date market information and historic cost data.
- Price traditional and design and build tenders, across both single and two-stage procurement routes.
Subcontractor and Supplier Engagement
- Put together and issue subcontract and supply enquiries with clear, comprehensive scopes of work.
- Review and level incoming quotations, highlighting gaps, exclusions and qualifications.
- Maintain and grow a dependable supply chain database.
Risk, Value and Commercial Input
- Identify risks and opportunities, producing risk registers and allowances for tender review.
- Put forward value engineering ideas and alternative solutions that give clients better value.
- Draft tender qualifications, clarifications and assumptions.
- Present estimates at tender settlement meetings with directors, walking through build-ups and key risks.
General Works Pricing
- Turn around fast, accurate quotations for minor works, maintenance, reactive work and framework call-offs, often against tight deadlines.
- Price against framework schedules of rates where relevant.
Handover and Continuous Improvement
- Hand over won tenders to the delivery and commercial teams, making sure cost plans and allowances are fully understood.
- Record outturn costs and lessons learned so the cost database stays current.
- Attend site visits, client meetings and mid-tender interviews as needed.
About You
Essential Skills and Experience
- A minimum of 5 years' estimating experience with a UK main contractor, ideally at tier 2 level.
- A demonstrable record of pricing projects valued between £1m and £20m, as well as smaller works and minor packages.
- Strong measurement and take-off ability, with the confidence to price from first principles.
- Experience of both design and build and traditional procurement, including two-stage tenders.
- Solid working knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.
- A good grasp of construction methods, sequencing, programme and preliminaries.
- Competence with estimating and measurement software, plus strong Excel skills.
- The ability to run multiple tenders simultaneously and reliably hit deadlines.
- A full UK driving licence.
Desirable Skills and Qualifications
- A degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related field.
- Experience pricing public sector frameworks, such as education, healthcare or local authority.
- Background in schedule of rates and term maintenance pricing.
- Knowledge of NRM1 and NRM2 measurement rules.
- Familiarity with social value, carbon and sustainability requirements within tenders.
Personal Attributes
- Exceptional attention to detail, combined with a commercial mindset towards risk.
- A confident communicator who can explain and defend an estimate to directors and clients.
- Organised and composed under pressure, comfortable juggling competing deadlines.
- A collaborative team player who builds strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Proactive, with a drive to improve processes, cost data and tender quality.
Estimator in Cheltenham employer: Time Recruitment Careers
The Skipton Academy is an excellent employer that values quality workmanship and professionalism, offering a supportive work culture where attention to detail is paramount. Employees benefit from competitive pay rates and the opportunity to contribute to a vibrant educational environment, fostering both personal and professional growth. Working at The Skipton Academy not only allows you to showcase your skills but also to be part of a community dedicated to excellence in education.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Cheltenham
✨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 Time Recruitment Careers, 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 Estimator at Time Recruitment Careers.
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 Time Recruitment Careers
✨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!
