Job Description
Job Title: Estimator
Department: Commercial
Reports To: Commercial Director
Role Overview
The Estimator plays a key role within the Commercial Team, responsible for preparing accurate and competitive tenders for structural steelwork projects across a wide range of sectors.
Working closely with customers, engineers, designers, suppliers and internal departments, the successful candidate will assess project requirements, identify commercial and technical risks, develop detailed cost estimates, and prepare tender submissions that support the company's growth objectives whilst maintaining profitability.
The role requires excellent commercial awareness, strong analytical skills, and the ability to interpret technical information to deliver high-quality tender submissions within demanding timescales.
Key Responsibilities
Tender Management
- Review incoming enquiries, drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
- Assess project scope, programme and technical requirements.
- Prioritise workload to ensure tender deadlines are consistently achieved.
- Attend internal tender review meetings where required.
- Prepare tender clarifications, exclusions and qualifications where appropriate.
Estimating & Pricing
- Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for structural steelwork and cladding envelope solutions.
- Carry out detailed material take-offs from drawings and BIM models where available.
- Develop labour, fabrication, transportation and erection cost estimates.
- Obtain and evaluate quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
- Ensure all estimates align with company pricing strategy and profitability objectives.
- Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation without compromising quality or specification.
Technical Review
- Interpret structural and architectural drawings and project specifications.
- Identify potential design, fabrication or installation challenges during the tender stage.
- Liaise with the Design and Engineering teams to resolve technical queries.
- Raise Requests for Information (RFIs) where clarification is required.
Commercial Awareness
- Identify commercial, contractual and technical risks within tender documentation.
- Review client terms and conditions and highlight areas of commercial concern.
- Maintain awareness of market conditions, steel pricing and supply chain developments.
- Contribute to the continuous improvement of estimating processes, pricing databases and tender procedures.
Customer & Supplier Liaison
- Build and maintain positive working relationships with customers, suppliers and subcontractors.
- Respond professionally to customer queries throughout the tender process.
- Obtain competitive quotations whilst maintaining strong supplier relationships.
- Support commercial negotiations where appropriate to achieve the best outcome for the business.
Tender Handover
- Prepare comprehensive handover documentation for successful projects.
- Clearly communicate pricing assumptions, qualifications, risks and project requirements to the Contracts team.
- Provide ongoing support to Project Managers and Commercial colleagues where clarification is required.
Continuous Improvement
- Maintain accurate estimating records and pricing information.
- Support the development and improvement of estimating systems and procedures.
- Assist with the implementation of new software, technologies and best practices.
- Undertake training and professional development to maintain knowledge of industry standards, products and market trends.
Skills & Experience
Essential
- Previous experience in an estimating, commercial or technical role within the structural steel or construction sector.
- Ability to interpret engineering and construction drawings.
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
- Commercial awareness with an understanding of project costing and profitability.
- Excellent organisational and time management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously while working to tight deadlines.
Desirable
- Experience estimating structural steelwork projects.
- Knowledge of fabrication and erection processes.
- Familiarity with Tekla, BIM models or estimating software.
- Understanding of NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- HNC/HND or Degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
Personal Attributes
- Commercially minded with a keen eye for detail.
- Methodical, organised and self-motivated.
- Proactive with a positive approach to problem solving.
- Able to work independently and collaboratively as part of a team.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build effective working relationships.
- Adaptable and able to manage changing priorities.
- Committed to delivering high standards of quality and customer service.
Work Location: In person
