Estimator, Construction, Building & Residential Construction

Elevation Recruitment Group are recruiting for an Estimator to join a major construction business, supporting the delivery of a significant development in West Suffolk.

This is an opportunity to join a large-scale construction project, preparing detailed cost estimates and supporting the commercial submission process. The successful Estimator will work closely with design, planning and construction teams, as well as subcontractors and suppliers, to develop accurate and competitive tenders that reflect project requirements, construction methodology and associated risks.

The role would suit an Estimator with experience in healthcare construction, particularly hospital developments, who has a strong understanding of estimating techniques, cost planning and the commercial considerations involved in delivering complex projects.

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for direct work packages and indirect costs, including preliminaries, labour, plant, materials and subcontractor costs.
• Support the business development team with tender submissions, developing accurate pricing models and commercial documentation.
• Work collaboratively with technical, planning and construction teams to assess construction methodology, temporary works, resource requirements and site logistics.
• Obtain and evaluate quotations from subcontractors and suppliers, validating unit rates, costs and proposed construction methods.
• Complete accurate quantity take-offs and develop estimates using first-principles, top-down and bottom-up estimating techniques.
• Contribute to project risk assessments, identifying potential cost implications and ensuring risks are reflected within tender submissions.
• Review developing designs and update estimates to maintain cost accuracy and identify opportunities for value improvement.
• Support the assessment and costing of design changes and other variations during the tender process.
• Maintain and update cost databases, market intelligence and historical project data to improve future estimating accuracy.
• Coordinate with other estimators and wider project teams to ensure consistent, commercially robust tender submissions.

To be considered for the Estimator role, you will need:

• A background in estimating for a main contractor or Tier 2 construction business, with experience contributing to substantial project tenders.
• Previous exposure to healthcare construction, ideally involving hospitals or other complex clinical environments.
• Experience pricing major projects, with an understanding of the commercial and technical demands associated with developments valued from £50 million upwards.
• Strong working knowledge of CCS Candy, including its application to building detailed estimates and managing pricing information.
• The ability to build costs from first principles, assess supplier quotations and apply different estimating approaches depending on the information available.
• A sound understanding of construction processes, site establishment costs, resource planning and the factors that influence overall project expenditure.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel capability, including the use of formulas, pivot tables and analytical tools to interpret cost data.
• Confidence completing detailed measurements and reviewing construction drawings, specifications and tender information.
• An appreciation of BIM-based estimating and quantitative risk analysis, with the ability to use data to support informed commercial decisions.
• Clear communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to explain pricing assumptions and cost considerations to both technical and non-technical colleagues.
• A methodical, self-motivated approach, with strong attention to detail and the ability to deliver accurate work against demanding deadlines.

The business is an established construction contractor delivering major and complex projects. It places strong emphasis on technical excellence, commercial performance, collaboration and long-term relationships with clients and supply chain partners, while maintaining high standards of quality, integrity and sustainability.