Estimator

Construction Estimator

Location: Bolton, BL7

Salary: £40,000 – £50,000 per annum, dependent on experience

Hours: Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 5:30pm | Friday, 8:30am – 4:30pm

Contract: Full-time, Permanent

Right to Work: Full UK right to work required

Experienced Construction Estimator – Join a Growing Business

Are you an experienced Estimator with a background in construction who enjoys getting into the detail of a project, working from technical drawings and producing accurate, commercially sound quotations?

We are looking for an experienced Construction Estimator to join a successful and well-established business in Bolton.

This is a great opportunity for someone who understands the construction environment and is confident taking a project from initial enquiry and drawings through to costing, quotation and handover.

We are looking for someone with excellent attention to detail, strong numerical and commercial ability, and a genuine technical interest in drawings, specifications, quantities and costing.

You will be responsible for reviewing incoming enquiries, understanding exactly what is required, identifying the materials, labour and other costs involved, obtaining supplier quotations and producing accurate estimates.

You'll also have the opportunity to use your existing experience to challenge assumptions, identify potential issues and improve the way estimating is carried out within the business.

This is not simply a role where you will be following a set process. We want someone who can bring their construction knowledge, commercial experience and ideas to the business and help develop the estimating function.

The Role

As the Estimator, you will take ownership of enquiries from the initial review through to quotation and, ultimately, handover to the operational team.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing incoming construction enquiries, drawings, specifications and project information.
• Triage incoming enquiries to understand the scope, complexity, timescales and information required before progressing with an estimate.
• Taking ownership of the step-by-step estimating process, ensuring every element of a project is considered.
• Interpreting technical drawings, schedules and specifications to establish project requirements.
• Confidently reading and navigating 2D and 3D CAD drawings.
• Extracting quantities, measurements, materials and specifications from drawings.
• Preparing accurate and commercially competitive cost estimates and quotations.
• Calculating material, labour and associated project costs.
• Obtaining and assessing quotations from suppliers and manufacturers.
• Comparing supplier pricing and identifying opportunities to improve costs and margins.
• Identifying discrepancies, omissions, risks or potential issues within drawings and project information.
• Raising queries and obtaining clarification where information is incomplete or unclear.
• Using your construction experience and commercial judgement to challenge assumptions and ensure estimates are realistic.
• Supporting procurement activities and supplier negotiations where required.
• Carrying out Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) to monitor project performance and profitability.
• Supporting Main Contract Reviews, including programme, delivery and commercial requirements.
• Monitoring project profitability through regular commercial reviews.
• Working closely with Sales, Design, Operations, Logistics, suppliers and customers.
• Ensuring accurate and complete project handovers to the operational team.
• Maintaining accurate estimating records across CRM and business management systems.
• Contributing ideas to improve estimating processes, systems and procedures.
• Working in accordance with company procedures, quality standards and ISO requirements.

About You

We are particularly interested in speaking with experienced Estimators who have worked within construction or a closely related technical environment.

You may currently be working as a Construction Estimator, Quantity Surveyor, Assistant Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Estimator or in another role where you have significant responsibility for pricing, costing and interpreting construction drawings.

Most importantly, you will be comfortable taking a set of drawings or a project enquiry and working through it methodically to understand:

What is being built?

What materials are required?

What quantities are involved?

What will it cost?

What are the risks?

What needs to be clarified?

And ultimately, what should we quote?

You will have strong attention to detail and enjoy working with technical information. You'll be someone who doesn't simply look at a drawing at face value but takes the time to understand the project and identify anything that could affect the final cost.

We're also looking for someone who can take ownership. Once an enquiry lands on your desk, you'll be responsible for driving the estimating process forward, communicating with the relevant

teams and suppliers, and ensuring the final quotation is accurate and commercially robust.

You'll ideally be someone who thinks:

“There must be a better way of doing this.”

Your experience and ideas will be welcomed, and you'll have the opportunity to help shape and improve the estimating process as the business continues to grow.

We're Looking For Someone Who Has:

• Previous estimating experience within construction or a related industry.
• A strong understanding of construction processes, materials and project requirements.
• Experience producing detailed cost estimates and quotations.
• Excellent attention to detail and a methodical approach to work.
• Strong numerical, analytical and commercial skills.
• The ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications and schedules.
• Confidence working with 2D and 3D CAD drawings.
• The ability to extract quantities, measurements and material requirements from drawings.
• Experience reviewing and triaging project enquiries.
• The ability to identify missing information, discrepancies and potential commercial risks.
• Confidence communicating with suppliers, customers and internal teams.
• The ability to manage multiple enquiries and deadlines simultaneously.
• A proactive approach and the confidence to work independently.
• Strong commercial judgement and an understanding of project profitability.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office and estimating/business management systems.
• A willingness to challenge existing processes and suggest improvements.
• The ability to take ownership of an enquiry from initial review through to quotation and handover.

Desirable Experience

Experience in any of the following would be advantageous:

• Construction estimating.
• Civil engineering estimating.
• Quantity surveying or commercial project management.
• Construction materials.
• Hard landscaping or external works.
• Manufacturing or another technically focused construction-related environment.
• Experience working from detailed 2D and 3D CAD drawings.
• Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR).
• Contract administration.
• Supplier negotiation and procurement.
• Working with overseas suppliers or international supply chains.
• Developing or improving estimating processes and procedures.

What’s on Offer?

• £40,000 – £50,000 salary, dependent on experience.
• Monday to Thursday, 8:30am – 5:30pm.
• Friday finish at 4:30pm.
• 21 days’ holiday plus bank holidays.
• Bonus scheme based on company profitability.
• Company pension scheme.
• Hybrid working flexibility.
• Health and wellbeing programme.
• Company social events.
• Free on-site parking.
• Excellent opportunities for career development and progression.
• The opportunity to put your own stamp on the estimating function.
• A role where your construction and commercial experience will genuinely be valued.
• The opportunity to join a successful, established and growing business with a strong long-term future.

Ready for Your Next Move?

If you're an experienced Construction Estimator who enjoys working with drawings, understanding how projects are put together and producing accurate, commercially sound costs, this could be an excellent opportunity for you.

We're looking for someone who can bring real construction experience, technical understanding and commercial judgement to the role.

If you want a position where you're trusted to take ownership, have a genuine influence on the estimating process and can help shape how the function develops, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now to find out more.