Estimator

Candidate required: Estimator or Senior Estimator 
- Job Type: Permanent
- Start date: ASAP
- Industry: Construction Professionals North
- Location: Carlisle / Salford or Glasgow
 
The role & about the client:
ITS Building People are recruiting on behalf of a well-established family-owned contractor with over 50 years of experience and a leading reputation within the painting and decorating industry. Operating across the UK, our client has built a strong track record of delivering high-quality projects and maintaining long-term relationships with major contractors and clients. 
 
This position is critical to the pre-construction function, combining technical estimating expertise with bid management, contractor engagement, and commercial support. The successful candidate will work closely with the Business Development, Quantity Surveying, Contracts, and Commercial teams to maximise tender success rates and secure profitable projects.
 
While the Head Office is based in Carlisle, applications are welcomed from candidates based in the Manchester region or Glasgow, where the business also operates a satellite office. Once per week attendance at the Carlisle office for weekly meetings and collaboration sessions is essential.
 
Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:
- Leading the preparation and submission of accurate and competitive tenders from drawings, specifications, and Bills of Quantities.
- Carrying out detailed take-offs and pricing of labour, plant, and materials using industry estimating software.
- Managing the full tender lifecycle from enquiry through to submission and project handover.
- Maintaining and updating all tender opportunities within the company CRM system.
- Monitoring bid progress and conducting follow-up activities to maximise tender conversion rates.
- Liaising with contractors and clients to obtain tender feedback and identify future opportunities.
- Attending site visits during tender stages to assess scope, identify risks, and build relationships.
- Supporting early contractor engagement through budget estimates, technical advice, and value engineering proposals.
- Working closely with Business Development teams to strengthen contractor relationships and identify strategic opportunities.
- Leading internal tender handover meetings with Quantity Surveyors, Contracts Managers, and operational teams.
- Preparing comprehensive handover documentation including pricing breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and risk assessments.
- Mentoring and supporting junior estimators to improve team capability and consistency.
- Participating in monthly pipeline reviews and bid meetings.
- Supporting framework submissions and major project tenders alongside senior leadership.
 
The ideal candidate will have/be:
- Proven estimating experience within Painting & Decorating or a related construction trade.
- Excellent understanding of Bills of Quantities, methods of measurement, construction drawings, and specifications.
- Experience pricing projects ranging from small works packages through to large commercial contracts.
- Strong ability to carry out accurate take-offs and cost planning exercises.
- Experience managing multiple tenders simultaneously while maintaining attention to detail.
- Strong communication and negotiation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain relationships with main contractors, consultants, and project teams.
- Experience using CRM systems and estimating software. Evaluate, sage construct or similar.
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard Microsoft Office applications.
- Commercially aware with the ability to identify value engineering opportunities.
- Full UK Driving Licence and willingness to travel to Carlisle once per week.
 
What's on offer:
- Competitive salary and car allowance.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Pension scheme (3% employer contribution, 5% employee contribution).
- Career progression opportunities within a growing business.
- Supportive and collaborative team environment.
- Opportunity to join a respected organisation with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Exposure to a diverse range of projects and clients across the UK.
 
How to apply:
Please send an up-to-date CV in strict confidence.
 
The ITS Group is committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. You and any job applicants will receive equal treatment regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marital or civil partner status, pregnancy or maternity, race, colour, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion or belief, sex or sexual orientation. We welcome all applicants and are committed to an inclusive environment for all