437 - Estimator / Quantity Surveyor Main Contractor

437

Job Ref:

Essex, UK

Location:

Permanent

Job Type:

About the Company

Job Description

This organisation is a family run construction company dating back 100yrs with a focus on prime residential private developments. The company is based in White Roding, Essex, however, their building projects are varied and cover large areas of Essex, Hertfordshire & Cambridgeshire.

Due to their continued growth, they’re in need of an Estimator / Quantity Surveyor.

Key Responsibilities:

Tendering & Cost Estimation

• Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for luxury residential projects, including main build, fit-out, and bespoke joinery packages.

• Analyse architect and interior designer drawings, specifications, and design intent documents to fully understand the scope of high-quality finishes and materials.

• Carry out detailed take-offs and bills of quantities (BOQ’s) for complex, bespoke elements.

• Ensure cost estimates reflect the highest standards of workmanship expected in the premium market.

• Prepare tender submissions, pricing schedules, and cost breakdowns for client or consultant review.

• Work within tight tender deadlines while maintaining precision and presentation quality.

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Source and evaluate quotations from specialist subcontractors, artisans, and suppliers (e.g. stone, joinery, AV systems, bespoke metalwork).

• Maintain a strong network of trusted high-end subcontractors and suppliers.

• Assess supplier capabilities, quality standards, and reliability.

• Explore alternative materials and specialist options that maintain design intent while managing costs.

Client, Architect, and Designer Liaison

• Collaborate closely with clients, architects, interior designers, and quantity surveyors to interpret high-spec design briefs.

• Attend design and pre-tender meetings to clarify details and identify potential cost risks.

• Provide transparent cost advice and value-engineering suggestions that align with luxury expectations.

• Support client presentations with well-documented cost summaries and visual breakdowns.

Project Handover & Support

• Provide full cost handover documentation to the project delivery team, including subcontractor rates, allowances, and assumptions.

• Attend project kick-off meetings to ensure commercial continuity.

• Offer support during procurement and construction to verify cost changes or variations.

Risk, Value & Change Management

• Identify commercial risks and highlight potential cost escalation areas (e.g. imported materials, bespoke fabrication).

• Develop and maintain project-specific risk registers.

• Propose value-engineering options that preserve aesthetic and performance standards.

• Monitor and evaluate post-tender changes to ensure cost control.

Systems, Reporting & Compliance

• Use estimating software (e.g. Conquest, Causeway, CostX, or Excel-based systems) for detailed cost analysis.

• Maintain cost databases for specialist trades and materials used in high-end residential works.

• Prepare professional tender reports and executive summaries for management and client review.

• Ensure compliance with company commercial procedures, health & safety, and sustainability standards.

Continuous Improvement & Market Insight

• Keep up-to-date with market trends, material innovations, and luxury residential benchmarks.

• Track construction inflation, labour rates, and supply chain pressures affecting high-end projects.

• Participate in post-project cost reviews to improve future pricing accuracy.

• Mentor assistant estimators and contribute to professional development within the commercial team.

Requirements

Good construction knowledge & experience, ideally in residential (but not essential).

Estimating and/or Quantity Surveying Experience.

MRICS/MCIOB preferred but not essential, training options available.

It is likely that you will have the following skills and experience;

• Up to date relevant knowledge of building legislation‬

• Up to date relevant knowledge of Health and Safety legislation‬

• Excellent attention to detail

• Excellent communicator who enjoys liaising with people at all levels of an organisation from site worker to client side

• Great organisational abilities with experience of working in a fast paced, busy environment

• Excellent IT skills, MS Word, Excel & PowerPoint in particular (Possible Microsoft Project)

• Enjoy working as part of a team but have the ability to self-motivate also

• Excellent administration skills

• A tenacious approach to getting a job done to the best of your abilities

• A great sense of humour with a can-do attitude

• Enjoy working in a multi-faceted role in a busy environment