Job Description
Estimator - Southampton - £55k - £60k+ plus package\n\nCompany Overview:\nA respected, small-scale refurbishment and fit-out contractor based in Southampton, this company has carved out a strong reputation in the healthcare, care, and hospitality sectors. Known for their integrity and reliability, they manage diverse interior projects from inception through to completion, with values up to £5 million.\nWith a commitment to exceeding client expectations and a clear vision for growth, they are now seeking a like-minded professional to join their dedicated team and contribute to the company’s ongoing success.\n\nRole Overview:\nThis Estimator role offers a unique opportunity to play a crucial part in the early planning stages of a wide range of projects. Unlike traditional estimating roles that focus solely on completed design packages, this position requires a more hands-on, interpretive approach transforming site visits, notes, sketches, and photographs into detailed, accurate, and competitive quotations.\nIdeal for a proactive, solutions-oriented professional, the role involves working across multiple trades and project types, supporting pricing efforts, and helping identify future business opportunities.\n\nKey Responsibilities:\n\n * Estimating: Create cost estimates and competitive tenders for interior projects up to £5 million, often from partial or conceptual designs.\n\n * Take-offs & Pricing: Generate material and labour breakdowns, pricing schedules, and bills of quantities across a wide range of interior trades.\n\n * Tender Process Management: Oversee the full estimating cycle from initial enquiry through to tender submission while maintaining high standards and meeting deadlines.\n\n * Supply Chain Coordination: Source, liaise with, and evaluate subcontractors and suppliers to ensure value for money and quality standards are upheld.\n\n * Client Communication: Act as a professional point of contact for clients, clarifying project requirements and building strong working relationships.\n\n * Business Development: Monitor relevant tender portals and proactively identify opportunities that match the company’s expertise.\n\n * Collaboration & Improvement: Work in close partnership with project and senior management teams to enhance estimating processes and support the firm’s strategic growth goals.\n\nCandidate Requirements:\n\n * Demonstrable experience in estimating within the fit-out, refurbishment, or interiors industry.\n\n * Ability to interpret limited design inpu such as sketches or verbal instruction and produce reliable costings.\n\n * Strong IT proficiency, particularly with Excel, and the ability to present pricing clearly and concisely.\n\n * Excellent organisational and communication skills, suited to a small, fast-paced environment.\n\n * A pragmatic, self-driven approach with a focus on finding effective solutions.\n\n * A full UK driving licence and the ability to attend the Southampton office daily