At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and manage estimating for exciting commercial projects in a growing construction company.
- Company: Established specialist trade contractor known for high-quality interior fit-out work.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and help shape the future of the business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on project success while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Significant estimating experience in construction and strong analytical skills required.
Our client is an established and growing specialist trade contractor delivering high-quality interior, fit-out and specialist construction packages across a range of commercial projects.
The business is seeking to appoint an experienced Estimator to lead and develop its estimating function, strengthen tendering procedures and support the continued growth of the company.
This is a senior management position suited to an individual with strong estimating and pre-construction experience gained within a specialist trade contractor, interior fit-out contractor or main contractor environment.
The successful candidate will take responsibility for the preparation, management and submission of competitive tenders, while working closely with the directors, commercial team, operational management and supply chain.
Managing Estimator Responsibilities
Lead and manage the estimating and tendering function across the business.
Review tender enquiries and assess project suitability, risk, resource requirements and commercial viability.
Prepare accurate and detailed estimates, cost plans and tender submissions.
Analyse drawings, specifications, schedules and employer requirements.
Complete detailed take-offs and produce robust labour, material and subcontract cost assessments.
Develop tender strategies in conjunction with the directors and senior management team.
Manage the tender programme and ensure submissions are completed accurately and within the required timescales.
Obtain and analyse quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
Build and maintain strong relationships with the company’s supply chain.
Identify value-engineering opportunities and propose alternative materials, specifications and construction methods.
Attend tender interviews, clarification meetings and pre-construction meetings.
Review contract conditions and identify commercial, contractual and operational risks.
Work closely with the commercial and operational teams to ensure a structured handover following tender award.
Maintain accurate estimating records, cost databases, labour outputs and historical pricing information.
Monitor tender performance, conversion rates and reasons for successful or unsuccessful bids.
Support the directors with workload forecasting, pipeline reviews and business planning.
Develop estimating procedures, reporting systems and internal controls.
Mentor and support estimators and other members of the pre-construction team.
Assist with the recruitment and development of the estimating department as the business continues to grow.
Ensure tenders reflect current market conditions, material prices, labour availability and programme constraints.
Experience and Skills
The successful Managing Estimator should have
- Significant estimating experience within the construction industry.
- Experience working for a specialist trade contractor, interiors contractor, fit-out contractor or main contractor.
- A strong understanding of interior construction packages, specialist trades and fit-out works.
- Experience preparing tenders for projects of varying values and complexity.
- The ability to interpret drawings, specifications, schedules and contractual documentation.
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, labour outputs and subcontract procurement.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to identify and manage tender risk.
- Experience leading tender submissions from initial enquiry through to final negotiation.
- Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Excellent attention to detail.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- The confidence to attend client meetings, tender interviews and commercial negotiations.
- The ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines.
- Experience managing or mentoring estimators would be advantageous.
- Competence using estimating software, Microsoft Excel and other relevant construction systems.
- The Individual
The successful candidate will be
- Commercially astute and highly organised.
- A confident and experienced estimator with strong industry knowledge.
- Proactive, analytical and solutions focused.
- Comfortable operating at senior management level.
- Able to work independently while collaborating closely with other departments.
- Capable of developing systems, procedures and people.
- A strong communicator who can build relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Motivated by the opportunity to contribute to the growth and development of the business.
Role Overview
This is a commercially focused Estimator role, with responsibility for the performance of the estimating function, tender quality, risk management and the successful conversion of opportunities into secured projects.
The Head of Estimating will play a key role in supporting the directors, improving tendering procedures and ensuring that the business continues to secure profitable and deliverable work.
Package
A competitive salary and benefits package will be offered, dependent upon experience.
Further details regarding salary, location, working arrangements and additional benefits can be provided during the recruitment process
Managing Estimator in Chelmsford employer: Verdant Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and growing specialist trade contractor that values excellence and innovation in the construction industry. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have the opportunity to lead the estimating function while collaborating closely with senior management and enhancing your skills in a supportive work culture. Located in a vibrant area, the company offers a competitive salary and benefits package, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Managing Estimator in Chelmsford
✨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 Verdant Recruitment Ltd, 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 Managing Estimator at Verdant Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Managing Estimator in Chelmsford
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 Verdant Recruitment Ltd
✨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!
