At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for high-value projects, ensuring competitive build costs and value engineering.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on collaboration and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, mentorship opportunities, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction while mentoring the next generation of estimators.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial construction estimating and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Estimating Manager, you'll take the lead in delivering accurate, robust and competitive build costs across some of our high-value projects, typically ranging from £5m to £100m+. Working collaboratively with the wider preconstruction team and supply chain, you'll lead the estimating process from early feasibility and bid stages through to contract signing, ensuring our proposals balance affordability, value, risk and quality. This is a Senior Estimator role with responsibility for mentoring more junior level estimators, while also acting as a trusted commercial advisor to customers, consultants and internal stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Identify value-engineering opportunities and alternative design solutions, presenting clear options that enhance value and support customer budgets.
- Proactively identify commercial and technical risks, offering practical, workable solutions throughout preconstruction.
- Lead the development of procurement strategies, ensuring key trade packages are benchmarked and aligned with design milestones.
- Interrogate subcontractor quotations in detail.
- Produce complete and comprehensive cost information packages for commercial handover.
- Lead supply chain engagement, nurturing collaborative relationships and providing constructive feedback.
- Oversee the procurement schedule, prioritising key trades and aligning project milestones and design gateways.
- Work closely with Preconstruction Managers, Project Managers, Designers, Planners and Commercial teams.
- Act as a trusted advisor to customers and consultants, offering insight-led, data-driven guidance around cost, value and affordability.
- Attend project CRM meetings as required, ensuring accurate and timely cost information is shared.
Qualifications
- Solid experience operating at the Senior Estimator or Senior Cost Planner level within the commercial construction sector.
- Strong background in cost planning, estimating and commercial management across complex projects.
- Proven experience leading framework or two-stage tenders (single-stage experience also considered).
- Strong proficiency in estimating systems such as Conquest, CostX, Bluebeam and advanced Excel / MS Office Suite.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within Education, Health, Defence or public-sector frameworks (DfE / DIO highly beneficial but not essential).
- Knowledge of construction cost data, benchmarking and cost metrics.
- Professional accreditation or working towards MRICS / MCIOB.
Senior Estimator/ Estimator in Weybridge employer: Willmott Dixon
As a leading player in the commercial construction sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture that empowers our employees to excel. Our Senior Estimator role offers not only competitive remuneration but also extensive opportunities for professional growth and mentorship, allowing you to shape the next generation of estimators. Located in a vibrant area with access to high-value projects, we provide a dynamic environment where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will directly impact project success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator/ Estimator in Weybridge
✨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 Willmott Dixon, 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 Senior Estimator/ Estimator at Willmott Dixon.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator/ Estimator in Weybridge
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 Willmott Dixon
✨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!
