Senior Estimator

untypical are an ambitious housebuilder that put people and the planet at the heart of everything we do. We're dedicated to delivering the best possible standards in design, build quality, and service for our customers. 

Bringing together two trusted housebuilding brands, Tilia Homes and Hopkins Homes, untypical aims to make a positive difference to the UK housebuilding market and help to provide greater access to homes which are affordable for buyers.

Our benefits package includes:

• Bonus Scheme
• Car Allowance
• Enhanced Pension Scheme
• Life Assurance
• 26 days holiday with additional bank holidays
• Holiday Buy Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme

We have an opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join our team at Eastern Region based at our Bedford office.

Aim of the role 

To work as part of 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.  

Provide accurate estimates to the Land and Planning department to assist in securing Land/Business opportunities as well as to maximise the cost effectiveness of developments. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

• 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 
• 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. 
• Maintain the database of standard cost allowances, and work closely with the commercial department to ensure cost assumptions are current 
• Consider drawings and the employer’s requirements to understand the requirements of the tender documentation 
• Consider sub-contract quotes and attendances to incorporate into estimates 
• Developing strong relationships with external consultants and other specialists 
• Develop and maintain market awareness on materials and sub-contractor prices 
• Visit site to establish site constraints etc, that may affect pricing strategy 
• 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 

• BSc (hons) in Quantity Surveying is preferred or HND in Building Studies or equivalent experience
• Professional Qualification preferred: e.g. MRICS
• CSCS card 
• Experience of CostX and Coins would be beneficial
• Advanced use of computerised estimating/measurement system e.g. Bluebeam or equivalent 
• Experience with tender documentation (correspondence, drawings, specifications)
• A detailed knowledge of the building process, construction techniques and building regulations
• Documenting tender costs, outputs and associated information arising from the preparation of tenders
• Analysis of quotations, resolving conditions or qualifications contained therein 
• Ability to confidently communicate with all members of the pre-construction team, directors, clients and consultants both verbally and in written form 
• Ability to challenge consultants design where appropriate and offer more cost effective solutions to aid development viability
• Advanced use of Microsoft office packages, in particular Microsoft Excel. 
• Good organisational skills together with the ability to prioritise work and work to strict deadlines