Job Description
1. Job Reference: RAE170425
2. Job Title: Estimator (Social Housing)
3. Rate: £Negotiable DOE + excellent benefits package
4. Location: Magherafelt, Northern Ireland
Estimator
Are you looking for an Estimator role? Interested in working for a leading Social Housing and Property Services Contractor?
VANRATH are recruiting an Estimator to work for a well respected Contractor, based in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland.
Remuneration:
£Negotiable DOE + excellent benefits package
Package Includes:
5. Employee Perks & Discounts
6. Life Assurance
7. Industry leading health & wellbeing programme
8. Healthcare Cash Plan
9. Long service awards
10. Great opportunities for learning & development
Client:
Our client is a well-respected Property Services Contractor that have been operating for approximately 50 years. They specialise in property alterations and modifications, damage restoration and maintenance projects. They work with Social and Private Housing clients, Property Management Companies, Care Homes, Schools, Councils and Commercial Buildings.
Overview of Role:
The Estimator will take the lead on estimating, playing a key role in supporting the commercial and operational teams by preparing accurate cost estimates for both tenders and live projects. Assist in developing competitive bids, ensuring pricing accuracy, and analysing project costs to support financial control. Working closely with suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders, the Estimator will contribute to the company's success by identifying cost-saving opportunities, mitigating risks, and maintaining robust cost data. This role requires strong analytical skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work within tight deadlines to ensure the successful delivery of bids and ongoing project profitability.
Key Responsibilities:
Bid Estimation Responsibilities:
11. Tender Preparation: Assist in the preparation of tender submissions, ensuring accurate cost estimates and compliance with bid requirements
12. Quantity Take-offs: Perform material and labour quantity take-offs from drawings, specifications, and site visits
13. Pricing & Cost Analysis: Develop cost estimates by gathering data on materials, labour, equipment, and subcontractors
14. Supplier & Subcontractor Enquiries: Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors for competitive pricing
15. Risk Assessment: Identify and assess potential project risks and incorporate contingency allowances where necessary
16. Bid Documentation: Assist in compiling bid submissions, including pricing summaries, methodology statements, and commercial documentation
17. Value Engineering: Identify cost-saving opportunities and alternative solutions to improve bid competitiveness.
Live Project Estimating Responsibilities:
18. Cost Control: Preparation and monitoring of project costs against initial estimates and budgets, identifying variances and potential cost-saving measures
19. Re-measurements & Variations: Conduct re-measurements and assist in the preparation of variations and change orders
20. Subcontractor & Supplier Costing: Assist in reviewing and negotiating subcontractor and supplier costs for ongoing projects
21. Progress Evaluations: Support project managers in tracking work progress and assessing cost implications
22. Data Management: Maintain an up-to-date database of historical costs, rates, and benchmarking data for future estimates
23. Reporting & Forecasting: Assist in preparing cost reports, forecasting final project costs, and identifying commercial risks
24. Build and maintain strong client and supply chain relationships
General Duties:
25. Collaboration: Work closely with commercial, procurement, and operations teams to ensure cost accuracy and project profitability
26. Industry Research: Keep up to date with market trends, material costs, and industry best practices
27. Process Improvement: Support the development and improvement of estimating processes and tools
28. Compliance: Ensure all estimating activities align with company policies, contract requirements, and regulatory standards.
The Ideal Person:
Essential Criteria:
29. Relevant qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Estimating, or a related discipline
30. Proven experience leading estimating and pricing functions in construction, facilities management, or a related industry
31. 3+ years' experience in a similar role
32. Estimating and Tender bid preparation experience
33. Commercially and operationally aware on delivery of works
34. Strong commercial attitude and excellent communication skills
35. Knowledge and understanding of sub-contractor management
36. Experience operating within a fast-paced construction industry
Desirable Criteria:
37. Experience of NEC suite of contracts
38. Experience of Public sector and housing contracts
Skills / Competencies:
39. Excellent communication skills with the ability to manage client relationships
40. Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
41. Ability to work well under pressure and to strict deadlines
42. Enthusiastic and result driven with excellent attention to detail
43. Strong planning and organisation skills with good problem-solving skills
44. IT literate with a sound knowledge of Microsoft Office packages