Barratt Redrow
Senior/Chief Estimator
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Estimator Role within the Commercial Team
About the Role
The Commercial team covers aspects of cost-effective building, including quantity surveying, estimating, procurement, and material buying—critical to ensuring quality homes at the best possible price. This fast-paced challenge requires commercial acumen, creativity, and technical expertise.
Directing under the Senior Commercial Manager/Commercial Director, the Estimator prepares cost plans for land purchase exercises and development opportunities, ensuring accuracy, efficiency, and adherence to the business plan.
Key Objectives
- Deliver a high standard of cost management
- Promote efficient procurement, material selection, and construction methods
- Support value engineering and budget compliance
- Ensure cost-effectiveness across all projects
Key Responsibilities
The role involves a wide range of responsibilities, including:
Cost & Appraisal Management
- Prepare comprehensive estimates for construction costs, including site abnormals, professional fees, site management costs, and preliminaries
- Input all development costs into appraisals/viabilities and support value engineering exercises at appraisal and pre-start stages
- Complete land purchase estimates, calculating land valuations and communicating prime cost movements
Prime Cost Management
- Identify and estimate speacial items (prime costs), such as remediation works, site operations, and remediation activities, up to the start of construction
- Provide detailed pre-start appraisals post-planning approval, tracking cost changes to site commencement
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Regulatory & Compliance Responsibilities
- Remain up-to-date with building codes, including Building Regulations, NHBC requirements, and HSE guidelines
- Ensure cost sensitivities such as sustainability (Code for Sustainable Homes) are considered
- Reconcile and recharge shared cost items across Group businesses or external companies
Collaboration & Reporting
- Attend pre-start, design, specification, and development meetings for input and alignment
- Monitor and maintain estimation databases and computerised systems
- Update land appraisals quarterly to reflect latest market layouts, house type mixes, and costs
- Stay informed on emerging construction materials/methods to optimise business performance
Team Support
- Assist the Senior Estimator/Commercial Manager in additional duties as necessary
- Adhere to Group values, policies, and IT compliance standards
Requirements for Success
To excel in this Estimator role, applicants should demonstrate:
Professional Qualification & Experience
- Industry-related business qualification, with valid CSCS card (if applicable)
- Proven track record as an Estimator or equivalent level in the housebuilding industry
- Knowledge of land viability software, measurement software, and Excel for cost and data analysis
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Strong numerical ability to review data, prepare budgets, and support valuations
- Familiarity with current market rates and coding practices (Building Codes, NHBC, HSE)
- Ability to monitor costs, reconcile inaccuracies, and report updates accurately
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Soft & Personal Attributes
- Methodical, organised, and detail-oriented with high standards of quality
- Teamminded, pushing professional behaviour and supporting colleagues
- Clear, credible, and articulate, capable of communicating under pressure in a fast-paced environment
Benefits (Why Work at Barratt?)
Barratt, a 5-star housebuilder since 2010, prioritises quality homes and talent. Hybrid working, career development, and a diverse, inclusive culture define our approach.
Professional & Financial Rewards
- Competitive salary & variable bonus scheme
- Private medical cover (extensible to family)
- Access to a choice of flexible benefits
- Annual health assessment, car or cash allowance, enhanced parental/carer leave
Modern Support System
- Private medical care (GP consultations, physiotherapy, virtual health services)
- Generous pension match (up to 10%)
- Financial perks (employee loans, savings accounts, unique employee discounts)
Future Career Growth
- Collaborative, hybrid-free environment (office, site, home flexibility)
- Financial incentives (to Jamieminatory savings programmes)
- Volunteer/professional development leave and share schemes to encourage long-term commitment
Build your career at Barratt, where quality homes and innovation align with bold ambition.
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