About the job

Description

Estimator

£50,000 - £56,000

Exeter

We are working with a leading customer focused housebuilder who due to continued growth has asked us to invite applications for the position of Estimator to join their team.

You will work as part of their Commercial team and be responsible for preparing whole development budgets, estimates and cashflows from pre-land purchase to final budget estimate, prior to the handover to the Quantity Surveying and Buying teams. To provide accurate estimates to the Land and Planning department to assist in secure Land/Business opportunities as well as to maximise the cost effectiveness of developments.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Developing strong relationships with external consultants and other specialists
• Develop and maintain market awareness on materials and sub-contractor prices
• Maintain the database of standard cost allowances, and work closely with the commercial department to ensure cost assumptions are current
• Deliver detailed financial appraisals for new land bids and undertake cost and risk analysis for new sites
• Responsible for taking off quantities, procuring competitive quotations, analysing the results and producing finalisation documents
• Consider drawings and the employer’s requirements to understand the requirements of the tender documentation
• Once land is purchased ensure that the build cost budget is updated at regular intervals e.g. quarterly to ensure the appraisal remains robust and in line with build cost inflation. Also ensure the budget is updated at key milestones such as planning submission and for start on site budget.
• Consider sub-contract quotes and attendances to incorporate into estimates
• Visit site to establish site constraints etc, that may affect pricing strategy
• Be technically competent with a very good understanding of the building process
• Analyse and critique all information provided to the Department for cost effectiveness
• Explore and present innovative construction techniques to reduce cost
• Value engineer specifications and materials to enhance cost effectiveness

Experience:

• Experience with a computerised estimating/measurement system e.g. Bluebeam or equivalent
• Microsoft office packages, in particular Microsoft Excel.
• Examples of reading and translating quotations, resolving any conditions or qualifications contained therein
• To be able to read and understand tender documentation (correspondence, drawings, specifications, etc) either in a paper or electronic version, including action as required
• Proven history of recording and documenting tender costs, outputs and associated information arising from the preparation of the tender
• A detailed knowledge of construction techniques and building regulations.
• The ability to challenge consultants design where appropriate and offer more cost-effective solutions to aid development viability.
• Good organisational skills together with the ability to prioritise work and work to strict deadlines
• Individuals with a housing Quantity Surveying background will also be considered
• Confident communication at all levels and with 3rd parties both verbally and in written form