Estimator – Construction
Overall Purpose
To coordinate estimating resources in conjunction with the Pre-Construction Manager, while personally preparing and producing competitive bids that take full account of project risks and customer requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Leadership
Promote company values and culture both internally and externally
Coordinate with project delivery teams to align pricing with work-winning supply chains
Promote continuous improvement and the profitable development of the business
Initial Enquiry & Tender Strategy
Evaluate enquiry documentation and advise the Pre-Construction Manager on the suitability of opportunities and winning tender strategy
Check tender documentation and confirm receipt in conjunction with the Bid / Pre-Construction Manager
Select, coordinate, and manage subcontractors and suppliers
Identify and procure Bills of Quantities and specialist tender support where required
Production of the Estimate
Visit site to gain a full understanding of the proposed works and develop strong relationships with clients and consultants
Support the bid team in understanding tender requirements and producing a well-considered, competitive offer
Contribute to bid validation documentation in line with company procedures
Attend and contribute to all key tender meetings
Identify alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities
Clarify discrepancies and tender anomalies with consultants
Review tender risks and ensure appropriate clarifications are included within submissions
Review design information and subcontractor pricing to ensure clearly defined work packages
Create or import Bills of Quantities or schedules of work into ConQuest
Produce analytical pricing from subcontractor and supplier quotations and input into ConQuest
Prepare and coordinate tender information for adjudication, including:
Site visit reports
Tender analysis and adjudication sheets
Preliminary cost breakdowns
Subcontractor comparisons
Bid clarifications
Attend and contribute to final settlement meetings
Creating Compelling Offers & Proposals
Understand client objectives and ensure a bid-winning strategy is adopted
Review all tender submissions for completeness and accuracy, including computational checks of tender summaries
Securing the Order
Support post-tender negotiations alongside the Bid / Pre-Construction Manager
Attend post-tender interviews and meetings where appropriate
Obtain tender feedback and competitor comparisons, sharing lessons learned with the wider team
Post-Tender Handover
Attend or lead post-tender handover meetings to ensure a smooth transition to the construction team
Assemble and hand over all tender documentation in a clear and structured manner
Explain tender rationale to the project team and secure full project buy-in
Qualifications
Degree or HNC in Building Studies or a related discipline
MCIOB or MRICS desirable
Demonstrable commitment to Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
Experience
3–5 years’ experience in a similar estimating or surveying role
Strong commercial understanding of the construction industry, market rates, and competitors
Good knowledge of analytical estimating, measurement, and first-principles pricing
Detailed understanding of traditional and alternative construction methods, including design management
Experience with alternative procurement routes, including frameworks, two-stage, and design & build
Strong working knowledge of ConQuest estimating software and Microsoft Office packages
Proven negotiation experience
Personal Attributes
Alignment with company values of being Friendly, Efficient, and Committed