InstaGroup
Estimator – Renewable Energy & Retrofit
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About InstaGroup
At InstaGroup, we are nationally recognised for our experience, technical knowledge, and expertise as leading installers of energy efficiency and renewable solutions. Established in 1980, with a turnover of £50m and significant opportunities for growth across social housing, local authorities, main contractors, and other funded project channels.
Our services span across Insulation, Solar Energy, Heating Solutions, and increasingly in Fire Safety and Building Remediation. Supported by a comprehensive product offering, we are committed to sustainability, with over 80% of the materials we use sourced from recycled or sustainable origins.
Our commercial success is built on strong relationships, market intelligence, and commercial discipline.
Our mission is to transform the energy sector by delivering innovative, sustainable solutions that surpass our customers' expectations. Through our commitment to excellence, integrity, and environmental responsibility, we aspire to lead the field in energy advancement.
About the Role
The Estimator will play a critical role in securing new business by producing accurate, competitive and commercially robust estimates for domestic retrofit and renewable energy projects.
Working closely with Tier 1 Main Contractors, bid teams, framework partners and internal operational teams, you will analyse tender documentation, develop pricing submissions and build strong commercial relationships that maximise our opportunity pipeline.
This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with experience in construction, social housing, energy efficiency or a Quantity Surveying background to join a growing organisation operating at the forefront of the UK's retrofit and decarbonisation agenda.
The role will primarily support opportunities funded through the Government's Warm Homes Plan, including:
- Warm Homes: Social Housing Fund
- Warm Homes: Local Grant
You will become a trusted commercial contact for contractor bid teams, helping position InstaGroup as a preferred delivery partner for insulation, solar PV, battery storage, heat pumps and wider energy efficiency solutions.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Commercial
- Prepare accurate, competitive and commercially viable cost estimates for domestic retrofit and renewable energy projects.
- Review and interpret tender documentation, technical specifications, drawings, schedules of works and contract requirements.
- Develop pricing submissions for renewable and energy efficiency measures including:
- Solar PV
- Battery Storage
- Air Source Heat Pumps
- External, Internal, Loft and Cavity Wall Insulation
- Ventilation and associated retrofit measures
- Produce detailed cost breakdowns incorporating labour, materials, plant, subcontractor and supplier pricing.
- Liaise with Procurement and Operational teams to obtain current supply chain costs and ensure estimates reflect market conditions.
- Maintain estimating templates, pricing libraries and commercial databases.
- Identify commercial risks, assumptions and opportunities within tender submissions.
- Support value engineering exercises to improve competitiveness without compromising quality, compliance or programme delivery.
- Prepare tender clarifications, exclusions and pricing assumptions where required.
- Support effective handover of successful projects to Operational teams.
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Relationship Management
- Develop and maintain strong working relationships with:
- Tier 1 Main Contractors
- Bid Managers
- Commercial Managers
- Procurement Teams
- Framework Delivery Partners
- Housing Associations
- Local Authorities
- Become the preferred estimating contact for contractor bid teams and framework partners.
- Attend bid meetings, client presentations, framework events and stakeholder engagement sessions.
- Work collaboratively with Business Development and Commercial teams to identify future opportunities and support pipeline growth.
- Promote InstaGroup's capability as a trusted renewable energy and retrofit delivery partner.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Proven experience in an Estimating, Quantity Surveying or Commercial role within construction, housing, renewable energy or retrofit.
- Experience producing estimates for construction, refurbishment or energy efficiency projects.
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent analytical and numerical skills.
- Ability to interpret technical specifications, drawings and tender documentation.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
- Strong communication, negotiation and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to work independently whilst collaborating effectively across commercial and operational teams.
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Desirable
- Experience pricing publicly funded retrofit or decarbonisation programmes.
- Knowledge of the Government's Warm Homes Plan, including the Social Housing Fund and Local Grant.
- Experience working with Housing Associations, Local Authorities or Registered Providers.
- Understanding of PAS 2035, PAS 2030 and domestic retrofit compliance.
- Experience using estimating software
- Knowledge of Solar PV, battery storage, heat pump and insulation systems.
Behaviours
The successful candidate will:
- Think commercially – Deliver accurate, competitive estimates while identifying opportunities to add value and reduce risk.
- Build relationships – Develop trusted partnerships with clients, contractors and internal teams.
- Collaborate effectively – Work closely with Commercial, Procurement, Operations and Business Development to achieve shared goals.
- Take ownership – Deliver high-quality work, manage competing priorities and consistently meet deadlines.
- Drive improvement – Seek opportunities to enhance estimating processes, efficiency and commercial performance.
- Act professionally – Demonstrate integrity, adaptability and a customer-focused approach in everything you do.
Performance
Success in this role will be measured by your ability to:
- Produce accurate, commercially robust and competitive estimates within agreed timescales.
- Achieve a high level of estimating accuracy and quality across all tender submissions.
- Contribute to successful tender outcomes and sustainable business growth.
- Develop trusted relationships with contractor bid teams and framework partners, becoming their preferred estimating contact.
- Support the expansion of InstaGroup's pipeline across Government-funded retrofit and renewable energy programmes.
- Continuously improve estimating processes, pricing methodologies and commercial performance.
- Demonstrate professionalism, accountability, collaboration and a commitment to delivering excellent customer outcomes.
What we Offer
- Competitive Salary
- Bonus scheme 12%
- Up to 6% pension contribution
- 25 days leave, plus bank holidays (increasing to 28 days after 5 years' service)
- Medicash healthcare, Critical Illness cover & Life insurance (3x annual salary)
- Annual personal development budget of £600 per year
- Regular staff events
- Laptop, mobile and full work-from-home set-up (if required)
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