Candidate required: Construction Estimator
Job Type: Permanent
Start date: ASAP
Industry: Construction / Refurbishment
Location: Dorset
Working arrangement: Office-based, with occasional site visits The role & about the client:
ITS Construction Professionals South are working with an established construction contractor based in Dorset, who are looking to bring an experienced, enthusiastic and commercially minded Construction Estimator into their team.
Our client delivers a varied portfolio of construction, refurbishment, healthcare and education projects across the commercial, corporate and public sectors.
With projects ranging from smaller works through to schemes valued at several million pounds, this is a role that offers genuine variety rather than pricing the same type of project day in, day out.
The business has built its reputation on quality workmanship, reliable delivery and strong client relationships. Their projects span a range of environments, including schools, healthcare facilities, commercial buildings and wider refurbishment schemes.
You'll be joining a close-knit team with an energetic feel, a positive approach and a shared focus on getting things done properly. The office environment is a real selling point, with its own gym, beer garden and additional staff perks, creating a workplace that offers more than just a desk and a computer.
They're looking for someone who brings fresh thinking, takes pride in their work and wants to play an active role in winning and delivering successful projects.
This is an opportunity for an experienced Estimator who enjoys getting into the detail, understands how to put together a competitive and accurate price, and can work closely with the wider team to turn opportunities into successful tenders.
You'll take ownership of the estimating process from initial enquiry through to quotation submission and successful handover, ensuring enquiries are properly managed, pricing is competitive and all commercial information is accurately recorded.
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
Reviewing tender enquiries, drawings, specifications and other project documentation.
Preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for construction, refurbishment, healthcare and education projects.
Producing detailed take-offs, measurements and bills of quantities where required.
Obtaining, reviewing and assessing quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
Analysing labour, material, plant and subcontractor costs to establish realistic project budgets.
Maintaining a quotation enquiry tracker, recording enquiries issued and ensuring effective follow-up throughout the tender process.
Proactively chasing supplier and subcontractor quotations to ensure pricing information is received in good time.
Supporting assistant estimators by providing clear information, documentation and instructions to enable effective enquiry distribution.
Completing prequalification questionnaires (PQQs) as required by clients, contractors and relevant authorities.
Preparing competitive quotations with a strong understanding of market rates and competitor pricing.
Developing and maintaining competitive rates for regularly used materials, labour and subcontractor cost items.
Building and maintaining positive relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to support competitive pricing and reliable quotation returns.
Preparing and finalising quotation submissions well ahead of tender deadlines wherever possible.
Producing detailed price breakdowns and supporting commercial information appropriate to the project and client requirements.
Identifying commercial risks, exclusions, assumptions and opportunities within tender documentation.
Reviewing alternative construction methods and identifying opportunities to improve value without compromising quality.
Liaising with suppliers, subcontractors, consultants, clients and internal teams to clarify pricing and project requirements.
Attending tender review meetings and contributing to bid strategy and commercial discussions.
Ensuring all quotation documentation, supplier returns and estimating information are properly organised and stored following submission.
Setting up awarded projects on SimPro, ensuring project information is accurately entered and provisional sums are removed where required.
Maintaining a logical and consistent folder structure within SimPro to ensure documentation is easy to locate and reference.
Supporting the commercial handover of successful quotations to the Quantity Surveyor and/or Contracts Manager, ensuring all relevant pricing, assumptions, supplier information and project documentation are provided.
Managing multiple tender enquiries and deadlines while maintaining a high level of accuracy and commercial control. The ideal candidate will have/be:
Previous experience in an Estimator role within the construction or building industry.
A good understanding of construction methods, materials, labour costs and project delivery.
Experience pricing refurbishment, maintenance, healthcare, education or general building projects would be particularly beneficial.
The ability to interpret construction drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills, with excellent attention to detail.
Confidence obtaining, reviewing and negotiating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
A commercially aware approach, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and competitive pricing strategies.
Experience managing quotation enquiries, supplier follow-ups and tender deadlines.
The ability to prepare detailed price breakdowns and maintain accurate estimating records.
Experience completing PQQs and supporting tender submissions.
Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
Experience using SimPro or similar estimating, project management or commercial software would be advantageous.
Clear communication skills and the confidence to build relationships with colleagues, suppliers and clients.
The ability to prioritise workloads, manage multiple tenders and work to deadlines.
A proactive attitude and willingness to get involved as part of a close-knit team.
The confidence to take ownership of the estimating process and support the wider commercial team.
A relevant construction qualification would be advantageous, although practical estimating experience and industry knowledge are equally important. The opportunity:
This is a great opportunity to join an established construction contractor with a varied workload, a strong reputation and an energetic team environment.
You'll have the chance to price a broad range of projects across the commercial, public and corporate sectors, giving you exposure to different types of construction and refurbishment work. No two tenders will necessarily be the same, making this a role suited to someone who enjoys variety and likes getting into the detail.
Our client values people who take ownership, communicate well and contribute to the wider success of the business. You'll work closely with the team, have a genuine input into tender decisions and play an important part in helping secure the right projects at the right price.
The position offers responsibility across the full estimating process, from initial enquiry and supplier engagement through to quotation submission, project setup and commercial handover.
You'll also be joining a business that puts genuine thought into its working environment, with excellent office facilities, its own gym, beer garden and additional perks that help create a positive place to work.
If you're an experienced Estimator looking for a role where you can make an impact, work with an approachable team and continue developing your commercial skills, this is well worth a conversation.
Salary up to £85,000 depending on experience.
How to apply:
If you're currently working in construction estimating and are looking for a new opportunity with a varied project portfolio, greater ownership of the estimating process and a positive, energetic team, I'd be keen to have a conversation.
Please send an up-to-date CV in strict confidence.
The ITS Group is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We welcome all applicants and are committed to an inclusive environment for all
