Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
Estimator
Residential & Commercial Refurbishment Contractor
Greater Leeds | Hybrid (3-4 days office-based)
Projects: £300k – £50m
About the Company
A well-established principal contractor specialising in residential and commercial refurbishment, with a particular focus on the conversion of listed buildings into high-end apartments, £1m+ homes, and commercial space.
The business has a strong project pipeline (£500m+), operates with a close-knit, family-feel team (circa 30 staff), and benefits from a stable and supportive pre-construction function.
The Role
We are seeking an Estimator to join the pre-construction team, taking ownership of tendering activities from initial enquiry through to submission.
You'll play a key role in winning work, preparing accurate and competitive tenders, and supporting the business's continued growth. Typically, you will manage bids across one or more schemes, depending on value and complexity.
As a business, projects are secured through repeat work, relationships, and reputation rather than frameworks.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing detailed cost estimates from drawings, specifications, and first principles
- Managing the full tender process from enquiry to submission
- Producing cost plans, budgets, and tender documentation
- Subcontractor enquiry, analysis, and negotiation
- Identifying risks, opportunities, and value engineering options
- Supporting bid strategy and contributing to tender adjudications
- Liaising with clients, consultants, and internal teams during pre-construction
- Maintaining and developing supply chain relationships
Experience & Skills Required
- Experience in an Estimator role within construction
- Strong understanding of construction methods, particularly in refurbishment
- Ability to price projects from first principles
- Strong numerical, analytical, and commercial awareness
- Excellent attention to detail
- Confident communicator with the ability to engage stakeholders
Desirable:
- Experience in residential and/or commercial refurbishment
- Knowledge of listed building or heritage projects
- Relevant degree or time-served experience
- Professional membership (RICS / CIOB or similar)
Package
- Quarterly bonus linked to KPIs and business performance
- 20 days holiday + bank holidays (under review)
- Additional Christmas shutdown leave + birthday off
- Company pension
- Ongoing training and career development
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now.
If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job you accept the T&C's, Privacy Policy and Disclaimers which can be found at hays.co.uk
To apply for this job please visit www.reed.co.uk.
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