Estimator / Quantity Surveyor or Assistant Estimator / Quantity Surveyor
Location: Plymouth, Devon, with travel across the South West
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience
Benefits: Company vehicle/allowance, performance-related bonus, pension, laptop and mobile phone
Build Your Career with a Growing South West Contractor
Murphy Pierce Projects Ltd is an ambitious and growing Principal and maintenance Contractor operating throughout the South West.
We deliver a broad range of refurbishment, fit-out, planned maintenance and customer care projects for developers, housing associations, commercial organisations and public sector clients throughout the South West. Our reputation has been built on quality, professionalism, responsiveness and long-term client relationships.
As our workload and client base continue to grow, we're looking for an Estimator / Assistant Quantity Surveyor to join our team.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to take the next step in their commercial career and develop into a more senior role as the business grows.
We're not looking for someone to simply sit behind a desk producing estimates. You'll gain exposure to the full commercial side of a growing construction business – from initial enquiry and estimating through to procurement, project cost management, variations, client relationships and final accounts.
For the right person, our aim is for this position to develop into a Commercial Manager role with increasing responsibility for the commercial performance and growth of the business.
The Role
Working directly with the Directors and alongside our Operations Manager, you'll support both the pre-construction and commercial management of our projects.
Your responsibilities will develop as you gain experience and could include:
Estimating & Tendering
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
- Carrying out take-offs and measurements.
- Preparing estimates, quotations and tender submissions.
- Obtaining and evaluating subcontractor and supplier quotations.
- Building up labour, material and subcontract costs.
- Assisting with value engineering and alternative solutions.
- Following up quotations and tender opportunities.
- Attending site visits and pre-tender meetings where required.
Quantity Surveying & Commercial Support
- Assisting with the commercial management of live projects.
- Monitoring project costs against budgets.
- Preparing and managing variations.
- Assisting with interim valuations and applications for payment.
- Supporting subcontractor procurement and account management.
- Assisting with project cost reporting.
- Supporting the preparation and agreement of final accounts.
- Helping ensure projects achieve their commercial targets.
Procurement
- Obtaining competitive quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Placing material and subcontract orders.
- Liaising with suppliers regarding pricing and availability.
- Working closely with our Operations Manager to ensure materials and resources are available when required.
- Identifying opportunities to improve buying and project margins.
Client Relationships & Business Development
As your role develops, you'll also become increasingly involved in the client-facing and business development side of Murphy Pierce Projects.
This could include:
- Building relationships with existing clients.
- Attending client and consultant meetings.
- Following up quotations and enquiries.
- Identifying opportunities for repeat business.
- Helping identify new tender opportunities.
- Supporting the Directors with developing new client relationships.
- Becoming a key commercial contact for our clients.
Who Are We Looking For?
You might currently be working as an:
- Assistant Quantity Surveyor
- Quantity Surveyor
- Estimator
- Assistant Estimator
- Graduate Quantity Surveyor
- Commercial Assistant
- Construction professional looking to move into an estimating/QS role
We're open-minded about your exact job title and level of experience.
You could be an Assistant QS ready for greater responsibility, an Estimator wanting broader commercial experience, or an established QS who wants the opportunity to become more involved in estimating, clients and the wider running of a growing contractor.
What matters most is that you're commercially minded, understand construction and have the ambition to develop.
About You
Ideally, you'll have:
- Experience within construction estimating and/or Quantity Surveying.
- A good understanding of construction methods and materials.
- The ability to read drawings and specifications.
- Good numerical and analytical skills.
- Strong communication and organisational skills.
- Confidence dealing with subcontractors, suppliers and clients.
- Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel and Office.
- A proactive approach and willingness to take responsibility.
- A full UK Driving Licence.
A Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or related qualification would be beneficial, although practical experience will also be highly valued.
Experience within refurbishment, fit-out, planned maintenance or general building would be advantageous.
Your Progression
This is where we believe this opportunity is different.
We're looking for someone who wants to grow with the business rather than simply fill a position.
Initially, you'll work closely with the Directors, gaining exposure to estimating, procurement and the commercial management of our projects.
As your knowledge of the business and client base develops, we'll encourage you to take increasing ownership of:
- Estimating and tendering.
- Project commercial performance.
- Client accounts and relationships.
- Procurement.
- Commercial reporting.
- Securing repeat business.
- Supporting the wider growth of Murphy Pierce Projects.
Our aim is for the right person to progress into a Commercial Manager position, taking a leading role in the commercial function as the company continues to expand.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience.
- Performance-related bonus.
- Company vehicle or vehicle allowance.
- Pension.
- Company laptop and mobile phone.
- Training and professional development.
- Genuine career progression.
- Direct exposure to the commercial management of a growing contractor.
- A varied workload across different sectors and project types.
- A supportive and close-knit management team.
- The opportunity to develop your role as the company grows.
Why Murphy Pierce Projects?
Joining a growing contractor gives you an opportunity that can be difficult to find within a larger organisation.
You won't be restricted to one small part of the commercial process.
You'll work directly with the Directors and Operations Manager and gain hands-on experience across estimating, tendering, procurement, Quantity Surveying, project delivery and client management.
You'll be encouraged to take responsibility, develop your own client relationships and become increasingly involved in the commercial direction of the company.
If you're an Estimator, Assistant QS or QS who is ambitious, commercially minded and looking for an opportunity to develop into a senior commercial role, we'd like to hear from you.
To apply, please send your CV together with a short introduction telling us about your current role and what you're looking for next.
Work Location: In person
