Job Description:

The Opportunity

A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Estimator to join the Facades division of an established specialist construction business based in Leeds.

The business has built an excellent reputation within the UK construction sector for delivering specialist building-envelope solutions across a wide range of sectors, including commercial, residential, retail, education, healthcare, leisure and infrastructure.

With continued growth across the business and an expanding pipeline of façade and cladding projects, they are looking to strengthen their pre-construction team with an Estimator who can play a key role in securing new work and supporting the continued development of the Facades division.

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established business with a strong project portfolio, whilst working within a specialist division where technical knowledge, commercial awareness and attention to detail are highly valued.

The Role

As an Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing accurate and competitive tenders across a range of façade and building-envelope projects, working closely with clients, consultants, suppliers, subcontractors, manufacturers and internal design and commercial teams throughout the tender process.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Reviewing tender enquiries, drawings, specifications and scopes of work, whilst preparing accurate estimates, quantity take-offs, measurements, bills of quantities and cost plans.
• Obtaining, analysing and negotiating quotations from specialist subcontractors, suppliers and manufacturers, including liaising on products, systems, technical requirements and pricing.
• Developing project-specific scopes of work and tender packages, whilst identifying commercial, technical and construction risks within tender documentation.
• Working alongside design and technical teams to develop cost-effective and buildable solutions, including identifying opportunities for value engineering and alternative solutions.
• Preparing detailed tender submissions, supporting post-tender negotiations and attending client meetings where required.
• Maintaining accurate estimating records and cost information, whilst assisting with the successful handover of projects following award.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, manufacturers, suppliers and the wider supply chain throughout the pre-construction process.

Project Experience

The successful candidate will ideally have experience estimating projects ranging from approximately £500k to £10m+, with exposure to larger and more complex façade schemes being advantageous.

The project portfolio can include:

• Façade remediation, recladding, external wall systems, rainscreen cladding, render and insulated cladding systems.
• New-build façade packages, refurbishment projects and complex remediation schemes across commercial and residential developments.
• Education, healthcare, leisure and infrastructure projects, providing exposure to a varied portfolio of technically challenging schemes.

Ideal Background

The ideal candidate will have previous estimating experience within facades, cladding, building envelope or a closely related specialist construction environment.

Suitable backgrounds could include:

• Façade, rainscreen cladding, cladding or external envelope/building-envelope specialist contractor.
• Specialist subcontractor, refurbishment contractor or main contractor with significant façade packages.
• Experience with rainscreen, render, insulated panels, external wall systems, cladding systems or façade remediation would be particularly beneficial.
• Estimators from a broader specialist construction background will also be considered where they can demonstrate strong technical estimating experience and a genuine understanding of the construction process.

What We're Looking For

• Previous experience working as an Estimator within construction or a related specialist discipline, with a strong understanding of estimating, tendering and procurement.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and tender documentation, including undertaking detailed take-offs and cost plans.
• Strong commercial awareness, excellent attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.
• Confident negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors, with strong IT and estimating-system skills.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills, with a proactive, solutions-focused approach and the ability to work effectively as part of a collaborative pre-construction team.

Why Join?

You will be joining an established specialist construction business with an excellent reputation across the UK and a strong presence within the building-envelope market.

You will have the opportunity to work on a varied portfolio of technically challenging projects, whilst playing a key role in the continued growth of the Facades division.

The company places a strong emphasis on its people, offering a competitive package alongside genuine opportunities for development and progression.

The Package

• Competitive salary – negotiable depending on experience
• Car allowance, enhanced company pension contribution and competitive annual holiday entitlement
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave and pay, alongside additional company benefits
• Opportunities for learning, development and progression

If you're an Estimator with a background in facades, cladding or building envelope and are looking for an opportunity to join an established specialist contractor in Leeds, this could be an excellent next step in your career.