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We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator (or Estimator, depending on experience) to join our pre-construction team and play a key role in securing and delivering high-profile refurbishment, fit out, workplace, and commercial construction projects across the UK.
This is an exciting opportunity to join one of the UK's leading construction and property services organisations, working on projects that transform workplaces, public sector facilities, healthcare environments, education settings, and commercial spaces.
You'll be part of a collaborative and innovative team, helping to develop winning bid strategies, produce accurate and competitive cost plans, and support clients from the earliest stages of project development.
The Role
Reporting to the Head of Pre-Construction / Estimating Manager, you will be responsible for preparing robust and commercially viable estimates across a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from small refurbishment schemes to major multi-million-pound fit out and construction programmes.
You will work closely with Business Development, Design, Operations, Commercial and Supply Chain teams to ensure bids are competitive, compliant and aligned with client requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce detailed cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions for refurbishment, fit out and construction projects.
- Analyse drawings, specifications and project documentation to identify project scope and risks.
- Obtain, evaluate and compare subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Prepare accurate take-offs and cost plans using industry-standard estimating software.
- Develop value engineering proposals and alternative solutions to enhance project outcomes.
- Attend site visits, surveys and pre-tender meetings where required.
- Participate in bid settlement meetings and tender adjudications.
- Support the development of winning tender strategies alongside operational and commercial teams.
- Identify commercial, programme and technical risks within tender submissions.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating and pre-construction function.
- Maintain awareness of market trends, labour rates, material costs and supply chain developments.
- Support junior estimators and share best practice across the team (Senior Estimator level).
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What We're Looking For
Essential
- Previous estimating experience within construction, fit out, refurbishment or interiors projects.
- Strong understanding of construction methods, materials and procurement routes.
- Proven ability to prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions.
- Excellent commercial awareness and analytical skills.
- Strong negotiation and communication skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines simultaneously.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
- Understanding of subcontractor procurement and supply chain management.
Desirable
- Experience working on workplace, commercial, healthcare, education, retail or public sector projects.
- Knowledge of JCT and NEC forms of contract.
- Experience using estimating software such as Conquest, Causeway, Bluebeam, CostX or similar.
- Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or related qualification.
- Membership of a professional body such as RICS, CIOB or equivalent.
- Experience leading complex tenders and pre-construction activities (Senior Estimator level).
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About You
You'll be a proactive and commercially minded professional who enjoys working collaboratively and influencing project outcomes from the earliest stages.
You will have a keen eye for detail, strong problem-solving skills and the ability to build positive relationships with both internal teams and external stakeholders. Most importantly, you'll be motivated by delivering high-quality work and helping secure projects that make a lasting impact.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary and annual bonus opportunity.
- Car allowance or company car.
- Private healthcare.
- Pension scheme.
- Annual leave plus flexible benefits.
- Hybrid working arrangements.
- Professional development and career progression opportunities.
- Access to industry-leading training and learning programmes.
- Inclusive, collaborative and supportive working environment.
- Opportunity to work on nationally recognised projects and frameworks.
Our commitments
Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.
We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk
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