Estimator (Industrial, Commercial & Educational Refurbishment & Fit-Out)
Location: Northwich Area (Head Office – UK Nationwide Projects)
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum (DOE)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-Time
About the Company
Our client is a well-established, award-winning principal contractor specialising in industrial, commercial, and educational refurbishment and fit-out projects across the UK. Operating from a modern office in the Northwich area, this division currently generates circa £20m annual turnover and is part of a wider business with strong growth ambitions.
Known for delivering high-quality projects with a focus on safety, efficiency, and client satisfaction, the company is entering an exciting period of expansion. As part of this growth, they are seeking an experienced Estimator to strengthen their pre-construction team and play a key role in securing future work.
The Role
As Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates across a range of refurbishment and fit-out projects within the industrial, commercial, and educational sectors.
You will work closely with Commercial, Pre-Construction, and Operations teams to analyse tender documentation, assess risk, and develop robust pricing strategies that contribute directly to successful project wins.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Cost Planning
Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates from drawings, specifications, and tender documentation
Interpret project requirements to develop competitive and commercially viable tenders
Build up rates using first principles where required
Develop cost plans and budgets at pre-construction stage
Tender & Bid Support
Analyse tender packages to identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering options
Liaise with senior leadership on pricing strategy and margin targets
Support preparation of tender submissions, clarifications, and documentation
Contribute to internal tender reviews and bid strategy discussions
Supply Chain & Subcontractor Engagement
Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations
Build strong supply chain relationships to ensure competitive pricing
Prepare detailed subcontractor comparisons and bid analyses
Ensure alignment with project scope, specifications, and programme
Risk & Value Engineering
Identify commercial and technical risks within tender documents
Propose value engineering solutions without compromising quality
Clearly define exclusions, assumptions, and qualifications
Handover & Collaboration
Provide structured handover to Commercial and Delivery teams upon award
Work closely with Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers
Support post-tender negotiations and client queries
Systems & Reporting
Use estimating systems to prepare and track pricing data
Maintain accurate records of estimates and assumptions
Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes
Required Knowledge & Experience
Proven experience as an Estimator within construction, refurbishment, or fit-out (essential)
Experience in industrial, commercial, or educational projects (highly desirable)
Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing
Ability to price from drawings and specifications
Experience analysing subcontractor quotations
Understanding of JCT contracts and construction risk
Strong numerical, analytical, and IT skills (Excel essential)
Experience with COINS or similar systems (desirable)
Candidate Profile
Detail-oriented with strong commercial awareness
Methodical and proactive approach to tendering
Able to manage multiple tenders and deadlines
Strong communication and teamwork skills
Practical understanding of refurbishment and fit-out delivery
Solutions-focused and commercially minded
The Offer
Salary: £50,000 – £55,000 per annum (DOE)
Permanent, full-time position
Modern office environment in the Northwich area
Supportive and experienced leadership team
Clear progression opportunities within a growing business
Apply now to join a forward-thinking contractor and play a key role in delivering and securing high-quality projects across the UK