Senior Estimator (Group)

Bringing together two trusted housebuilding brands, Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes, untypical aims to make a positive difference to the UK housebuilding market and help to provide greater access to homes which are affordable for buyers. Guided by an innovative approach and a commitment to excellence, untypical focuses on creating sustainable, inclusive communities, delivering homes across the UK that people want to live in and are good for the planet. Our people are at the heart of what we do and in order for us to succeed in becoming the UK’s most customer‑centric housebuilder, we are looking for talented and ambitious individuals to join our team.

Our benefits package includes:

• Bonus Scheme
• 26 days holiday with additional bank holidays
• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Company Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• Employee Assistance Programme

We are looking to recruit a full time Group Senior Estimator. The aim of the post is to provide best practice Estimating support to regional Land & Commercial teams, driving consistency and efficiency of Estimating practices across the Group. The postholder will work with our Group Commercial Director to set up robust Estimating systems to improve strike rate on Land acquisition bids and aid efficiency of the estimating function. This post could be based from any of our Regional Offices in Solihull, Bedford, Bury St. Edmunds or Exeter.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Implement and share best practice process efficiencies and standardisation of measurement and estimating across the business.
• Selection and implementation of Estimating Software to consistently utilise across the group.
• Setup Suite of Standard house type takeoffs for both Hopkins & Tilia Homes (Traditional & Timber Frame construction types).
• Establish library of standard base build costs for each regional.
• Agree what are deemed as abnormal costs so all regional budgets are consistent in terms of where elements are allowed.
• Setup a consistent budget/build cost report output which will support Land Acquisition/Investment committee pack.
• Provide cost input and support to Regional Land Teams/Commercial Teams and Group Design & Innovation Teams.
• Engage with Specialist suppliers and subcontractors to provide value engineering solutions to mitigate costs and aid profitability and competitiveness of the Group.
• In conjunction with Head of Procurement & Innovations Director monitor technological and material advancements and provide costing support as required.
• Establish and maintain consistent costing support for finishing specifications for different tenures to aid effectiveness of group trading agreements and price point for optional customer extras.
• Maintain a suite of standard housetype schedules for materials for regional buying teams to utilise.
• In advance of a land purchase, prepare construction land budgets for the Land Manager to evaluate the site, assisting the Land Manager/Sales Team to determine the best house mix for the site.
• Responsible for the accuracy and consistency of work produced by the Estimating team prior to submission for executive-level approval; including leading the continuing improvement of Estimating reports and associated information services at both a Regional and Group level.

We’re looking for the following skills and experience:

• Experience with a computerised estimating/measurement system.
• Microsoft office packages, in particular Microsoft Excel.
• Examples of reading and translating quotations, resolving any conditions or qualifications contained therein.
• Ability to read and understand tender documentation (correspondence, drawings, specifications, etc) either in a paper or electronic version, including action as required.
• Proven history of recording and documenting tender costs, outputs and associated information arising from the preparation of the tender.
• A detailed knowledge of construction techniques and building regulations.
• The ability to challenge consultants design where appropriate and offer more cost-effective solutions to aid development viability.
• Good organisational skills together with the ability to prioritise work and work to strict deadlines.
• Individuals with a housing Quantity Surveying background will also be considered.
• Confident communication at all levels and with 3rd parties both verbally and in written form.

Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes are ambitious, customer focused housebuilders that put people and the planet at the heart of everything we do. We're dedicated to delivering the best possible standards in design, build quality, and service for our customers. We pride ourselves on being an inclusive and diverse employer of choice. From new starters and those looking to embrace a new challenge, to those who know the industry like the back of their hand, we take pride in building careers, not just communities.