Estimator, Engineering, Civil Engineering

Position: Estimator (Permanent)
Role Purpose
The Estimator plays a central role in London Basement’s pre‑construction and commercial function, producing accurate, and timely cost estimates for basement construction and structural projects across Central and Greater London. The Estimator role requires that every tender is commercially robust, technically sound, and aligned with the company’s operational capabilities and risk appetite.

Key Responsibilities
1. Tendering & Cost Estimation
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for basement construction, underpinning, temporary works and structural alterations.
- Analyse architectural, structural, and engineering drawings to identify scope, constraints, and risk items.
- Develop Bills of Quantities, schedules of rates, and cost breakdowns using first‑principles estimating.
- Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations, ensuring scope alignment and commercial competitiveness.
-Produce tender clarifications, exclusions, and assumptions to protect the company’s position.
2. Risk Identification & Commercial Strategy
-Identify technical, logistical, and commercial risks, proposing mitigation strategies for each.
-Work with the senior team to shape tender strategy, pricing models, and margin positioning.
-Flag design gaps, provisional items, and client‑driven uncertainties that may impact programme or cost.
-Support the creation of risk registers and tender adjudication packs.
3. Technical & Design Coordination
-Liaise with engineers, architects, and specialist consultants to resolve design queries.
-Review geotechnical reports, party wall documentation, and temporary works requirements to ensure accurate pricing.
-Assess buildability constraints typical to London basement projects (access, spoil removal, sequencing, structural interfaces).
4. Client & Stakeholder Engagement
-Attend site visits, client meetings, and tender interviews to present and defend estimates.
-Provide clear, professional communication to clients, consultants, and internal teams.
-Support the business development team with early‑stage feasibility studies and budget estimates.
5. Handover & Project Support
-Prepare comprehensive handover packs for the delivery team, including assumptions, allowances, and risk notes.
-Support the project team during early mobilisation to ensure continuity between tender and delivery.
-Assist with value engineering proposals and alternative construction methodologies.
Skills & Experience Required
Technical Competence
-Proven experience estimating structural or basement construction projects in London.
-Strong understanding of temporary works, underpinning, RC structures, and complex logistics.
-Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and engineering reports.
Commercial Acumen
-Strong numerical and analytical skills with a first‑principles approach to costing.
-Ability to challenge assumptions, identify risk, and protect commercial outcomes.
-Experience preparing tender submissions for high‑value residential or structural projects.
Software & Tools
-Proficiency in estimating software (e.g. Bluebeam, Astra).
-Strong Excel skills, including structured cost breakdowns and scenario analysis.
Personal Attributes
-Detail‑oriented, methodical, and commercially aware.
-Confident communicator capable of defending estimates to senior stakeholders.
-Proactive, organised, and able to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
Performance Indicators
-Accuracy and defensibility of estimates.
-Tender win rate and margin protection.
-Quality of tender documentation and risk identification.
-Stakeholder feedback (internal and external).
-Smoothness of handover to delivery teams
Estimator