Estimator - Construction/General Works

The Estimator will prepare accurate, competitive and well qualified tenders that win work for both divisions. You will price a varied pipeline, from larger single and two stage design and build schemes in Construction to smaller works, reactive and framework pricing. Working closely with the Bid Manager, Commercial and Operations teams, you will ensure every submission reflects realistic costs, programme and risk.

Applications close: Sunday 15th of November

Key Responsibilities

Tender preparation

Review tender documents, drawings, specifications and contract conditions to understand scope, risk and client requirements.
Prepare detailed estimates from first principles, including measurement and take off where bills of quantities are not provided.
Build up rates for labour, plant, materials and preliminaries, using current market data and historic cost information.
Price both traditional and design and build tenders, including single and two stage procurement routes.

Subcontractor and supplier engagement

Prepare and issue subcontract and supply enquiry packages with clear, complete scopes.
Analyse and level returned quotations, identifying gaps, exclusions and qualifications.
Maintain and develop a reliable supply chain database

Risk, value and commercial input

Identify risks and opportunities and prepare risk registers and allowances for tender review.
Propose value engineering and alternative solutions where they offer the client better value.
Draft tender qualifications, clarifications and assumptions.
Present estimates at tender settlement meetings with directors, explaining build ups and key risks.

General Works pricing

Produce quick, accurate quotations for minor works, maintenance, reactive and framework call off packages, often to tight deadlines.
Price against framework schedules of rates where applicable.

Handover and continuous improvement

Hand over successful tenders to the delivery and commercial teams, ensuring cost plans and allowances are clearly understood.
Capture outturn costs and lessons learned to keep the cost database current.
Attend site visits, client meetings and mid tender interviews as required.

Other Information

Entry Requirements

Essential skills and experience

At least 5 years’ estimating experience with a UK main contractor, ideally at tier 2 level.
Proven track record pricing projects of £1m to £20m, alongside smaller works and minor packages.
Strong measurement and take off skills, with the ability to price from first principles.
Experience of design and build and traditional procurement, including two stage tenders.
Sound working knowledge of JCT and NEC contract forms.
Good understanding of construction methods, sequencing, programme and preliminaries.
Proficiency with estimating and measurement software and strong Excel skills.
Ability to manage several tenders at once and consistently meet deadlines.
Full UK driving licence.

Desirable skills and qualifications

Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
Experience pricing public sector frameworks (e.g. education, healthcare, local authority).
Experience of schedule of rates and term maintenance pricing.
Knowledge of NRM1 and NRM2 measurement rules.
Familiarity with social value, carbon and sustainability requirements in tenders.

Personal attributes

Meticulous attention to detail, with a commercially minded approach to risk.
Confident communicator, able to explain and defend an estimate to directors and clients.
Well organised, calm under pressure and comfortable with competing deadlines.
Collaborative team player who builds good relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
Proactive and keen to improve processes, cost data and tender quality.

Company Description

At Barnwood, we have built a reputation of over 60 years as a trusted name in the construction
and fit out industry, delivering quality projects across Gloucestershire and beyond.

We are proud to be employee-owned — every member of our team shares in the success of the business and plays a part in shaping its future. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we’re committed to creating an environment where they can grow, thrive, and take pride in the work we achieve together.