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- Tasks: Help create bespoke playgrounds by preparing project cost plans and managing budgets.
- Company: Join Touchwood Play, a leading design and build company with exciting international projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private medical insurance, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with training and mentoring from experienced professionals.
- Why this job: Be part of unique projects and develop your skills in estimating and commercial management.
- Qualifications: Strong numerical skills, attention to detail, and proficiency in Excel are essential.
The predicted salary is between 26500 - 30000 £ per year.
Touchwood Play is a leading design and build company creating fully bespoke, custom playgrounds. Our clients include theme parks, zoos, hotels, retail, schools and local authorities. Some of our previous key clients include Universal, Eden Project and National Trust. Touchwood Play operates both in the UK and internationally, with substantial ongoing projects in France, Ireland, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia.
We are seeking an Estimator to join our growing commercial team and support the successful delivery of a wide range of exciting and highly bespoke projects. The Estimator will play an important role in the preparation and management of project cost plans, supporting tender submissions and assisting with cost control throughout the project lifecycle. Working closely with the Quantity Surveyor, as well as collaborating with Sales, Design, and Project Delivery teams, the Estimator will contribute to ensuring projects are priced accurately, competitively, and in line with TouchWood Play’s commercial objectives. This role is well suited to someone looking to develop their career in estimating and commercial management, with full on-the-job training and mentoring provided.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist in the preparation of detailed project cost plans and tender cost schedules from initial enquiry through to submission.
- Support cost analysis and value engineering exercises at tender stage to achieve efficient and commercially sound design solutions.
- Maintain accurate pricing records and assumptions for all tenders.
- Assist with the procurement of materials and subcontract packages, including reviewing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Support negotiations with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure best value is achieved.
- Assist in monitoring project costs and evaluating progress against approved budgets.
- Maintain and update TouchWood Play’s internal supplier and material cost database on a monthly basis.
- Support the commercial team with cost reporting and data analysis as required.
- Work closely with the design and build teams to ensure project budgets align with design intent and technical requirements.
- Liaise with internal stakeholders to support coordinated and efficient project delivery.
Skills, Experience & Attributes
- Strong numerical and analytical skills, with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Excel or similar spreadsheet software (essential).
- Construction industry experience is advantageous but not essential.
- A practical understanding of construction methods and materials would be beneficial.
- Strong communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively within a team.
- Good organisational skills with the ability to manage workload and priorities effectively.
- A proactive and enthusiastic approach to learning and professional development.
What We Offer
- A supportive and collaborative working environment within a creative and ambitious company.
- The opportunity to work on unique, high-profile, and highly bespoke projects.
- Training and mentoring in estimating and quantity surveying, led by experienced staff.
- Opportunities for career progression within the commercial team.
- Competitive salary of £26,500 – £30,000 per annum, dependent on experience.
- Private medical insurance (after qualifying period).
Estimator employer: TouchWood Play
Contact Detail:
TouchWood Play Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Estimator role at Touchwood Play.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your numerical and analytical skills. Share examples of how you've tackled cost plans or worked on projects, even if they were just in your studies.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! If you see a job opening at Touchwood Play, don’t wait for the perfect moment. Apply through our website and follow up with a friendly email. Show us you're keen and ready to jump into the exciting world of bespoke playground design!
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for interviews by researching Touchwood Play’s projects. Familiarise yourself with our key clients and recent works. This will not only impress us but also help you understand how you can contribute to our commercial team as an Estimator.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Estimator role. Highlight any relevant experience, especially in cost planning or project management. We want to see how your skills align with what we do at Touchwood Play!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about estimating and how you can contribute to our exciting projects. Keep it concise but engaging – we love a good story!
Show Off Your Skills: Don’t forget to showcase your numerical and analytical skills in your application. Mention any experience with Excel or similar software, as these are essential for the role. We’re looking for attention to detail, so make it count!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at TouchWood Play
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on your Excel skills and be prepared to discuss how you've used data in past projects. Bring examples of cost plans or budgets you've worked on to showcase your experience.
✨Understand the Industry
Familiarise yourself with construction methods and materials relevant to playground design. Research Touchwood Play's previous projects and clients, like Universal and the Eden Project, so you can speak knowledgeably about their work and how you can contribute.
✨Show Your Collaborative Spirit
This role involves working closely with various teams, so highlight your teamwork skills. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with others in past roles, especially in cost control or project delivery.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the role and the company. Inquire about their approach to value engineering or how they maintain their supplier database. This shows your genuine interest in the position and helps you understand if it's the right fit for you.