Estimator – Commercial Projects

We’re partnered with a long-established and highly respected Essex-based main contractor delivering commercial, education, healthcare, community, and residential construction projects across Essex and the wider East Anglia region.

With over 60 years of successful trading, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality refurbishment, extension, alteration, and new-build schemes while maintaining long-term relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.

Unlike heavily corporate contractors, the environment is collaborative, fast-moving, and relationship-driven, giving estimators genuine visibility of projects from initial enquiry through to contract award.

This is an excellent opportunity for a capable Estimator who wants broad project exposure, greater responsibility, and a clear route toward senior pre-construction or commercial positions.

Working closely with the Commercial Manager, operational teams, and directors, you’ll play a key role in the preparation and submission of competitive tenders across a varied portfolio of refurbishment and construction projects. You’ll be trusted to take ownership of tenders, contribute to pricing strategy, and help secure future work across multiple sectors.

• Preparing detailed quantity takeoffs from drawings and specifications
• Producing accurate cost estimates for refurbishment, alteration, extension, and newbuild projects
• Preparing and submitting competitive tender returns
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation
• Sending enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers
• Obtaining, analysing, and comparing subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Building up rates and pricing schedules
• Identifying value engineering opportunities and cost saving options
• Assisting with tender adjudications and commercial reviews
• Maintaining accurate estimating records and cost databases
• Liaising with site, design, and operational teams during the tender process

The ideal candidate will already have experience working for a main contractor, refurbishment contractor, or construction business and be comfortable managing tenders with a good degree of autonomy.

• Minimum 3+ years’ experience in estimating within construction
• Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing
• Experience pricing refurbishment and/or newbuild projects
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documents
• Experience obtaining and assessing subcontractor quotations
• Strong numerical, analytical, and problem solving skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Confident communication and teamwork abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Experience with estimating software is advantageous
• Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline is beneficial
• Most importantly, they’re looking for someone who is commercially aware, proactive, and keen to develop into a senior member of the preconstruction team.