At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage tenders, develop project pricing, and engage with the supply chain.
- Company: Growing main contractor delivering high-profile construction projects across the UK.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, private healthcare, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Join a team that values commercial awareness, teamwork, and continuous development.
- Why this job: Take ownership of tenders and enhance your estimating skills in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: At least two years' estimating experience and a relevant degree or qualification.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for an Estimator to join the pre-construction team of a growing main contractor delivering high-profile construction projects across the UK. You'll become part of an experienced estimating team where you'll be given the opportunity to take ownership of tenders whilst continuing to develop your technical and commercial expertise. The focus is ultimately on producing profitable, de-risked and competitive bids, ensuring projects are accurately priced and commercially robust before being handed across to the delivery team.
This could be an excellent next move if you're currently working as a Junior Estimator or Estimator within a main contracting environment and want greater exposure to the complete tender process, larger projects and increased responsibility.
Role Overview
As Estimator, you'll take an active role in managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission, working closely with the wider pre-construction, commercial and operational teams. You'll be responsible for developing accurate project pricing, interrogating tender information and identifying both commercial risks and opportunities throughout the process. You'll take ownership of relevant tenders, ensuring progress is carefully monitored and that the wider team has clear visibility over pricing, programme and outstanding information.
A major part of your role will involve engaging with the supply chain. You'll lead the enquiry process, obtain and assess current quotations and use framework rates and wider market intelligence to ensure your estimates accurately reflect current construction costs. You'll also work collaboratively with colleagues across the wider business, bringing different disciplines together during the tender process and ensuring successful projects are handed over to the delivery team with a clear and detailed understanding of the commercial position.
Rather than simply measuring drawings and producing a price, you'll be encouraged to challenge information, identify opportunities to add value and consider alternative solutions that can improve both the competitiveness and commercial security of each bid.
About You
You'll ideally have already gained at least two years' experience within estimating, potentially having developed through a Junior Estimator position or another relevant construction discipline. You are commercially aware, analytical and naturally methodical in the way you approach a tender. You'll have excellent attention to detail but also understand the wider construction process and how decisions made during pre-construction can influence the successful delivery and profitability of a project.
You'll be comfortable creating and following structured processes, working to deadlines and maintaining accuracy when tender periods become busy. You're also a strong communicator who enjoys working collaboratively with colleagues, subcontractors and suppliers rather than operating independently from the wider project team. These behaviours closely reflect the competencies set out within the original role profile.
Ideally, you'll hold a degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction, Engineering or another relevant discipline, alongside strong IT skills and confidence using Microsoft Excel and the wider Microsoft Office suite.
Company Profile
You'll be joining a growing main contractor delivering high-quality construction projects across the UK. The business places a strong emphasis on collaboration between estimating, commercial and operational teams, allowing projects to be properly considered during pre-construction before progressing into delivery. You'll become part of an environment where commercial awareness, teamwork and continuous development are valued, with the opportunity to learn from experienced construction professionals while progressively taking greater ownership of the estimating process.
Salary - Negotiable but very competitive
Car allowance
6% matched pension
Annual bonus
Private healthcare
25 days annual leave, increasing after 3 years' service
Estimator in Watford employer: Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp
Walker and Sloan is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Cardiff that fosters innovation and collaboration. As a Head of Data and Analytics, you will have the opportunity to lead transformative projects that enhance data capabilities while benefiting from a culture that prioritises employee growth, continuous learning, and the integration of cutting-edge AI technologies. With a commitment to work-life balance and a hybrid working model, this role not only promises meaningful contributions to the media landscape but also supports your professional development in a forward-thinking agency.
Contact Details:
Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Watford
✨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 Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp, 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 Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Watford
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 Walker & Sloan Ltd | Certified B Corp
✨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!
