Senior Estimator
St Austell, Cornwall
Competitive Salary
Full-time, Permanent
We are seeking a talented Senior Estimator to provide an accurate, efficient and commercially focused estimating service across our development and contracting pipelines. Reporting to the Commercial Operations Director, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our schemes remain competitive, viable and profitable.
You’ll work collaboratively across Land, Technical, Sales and Build teams, influencing decisions from initial land appraisals through to detailed tenders and delivery.
Key Responsibilities:
Lead the estimating function, ensuring all viability appraisals are accurate and up to date
Produce cost plans from initial land opportunities through to board-approved budgets
Prepare competitive tenders and develop tender strategies
Identify, analyse and manage risks and opportunities within projects
Seek and negotiate competitive quotations from the supply chain
Work closely with Technical teams to achieve cost-effective design solutions
Produce clear reports, cost workbooks and tender documentation
Chair and contribute to tender meetings and decision-making processes
Maintain and develop the company’s live build cost data library
Monitor industry trends and provide cost intelligence to the business
About You
Essential qualifications and experience:
Essential Skills & Experience
Significant experience as an estimator within the housebuilding or construction sector
Strong knowledge of general contracting and cost planning
Proven ability to deliver profitable outcomes and manage financial performance
Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Office packages
Excellent organisational, time management and analytical skills
Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills
Ability to manage risk and present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders
Qualifications
HNC (or Level 5 equivalent) in Building Construction or equivalent
Desirable
Degree (Level 6) in Construction or related discipline
CIOB membership
Experience in affordable housing, new build or contracting
Knowledge of local supply chains and Esti-mate software
Why Join Gilbert & Goode?
Bring your skills to a company with a strong regional reputation and a values‑led purpose.
We build more than homes — we create places where life unfolds.
At Gilbert & Goode, we are committed to “building inspiring homes and creating lasting memories”, placing customers at the heart of everything we do.
Award‑winning customer satisfaction.
We proudly hold the In‑house 2026 Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction, reflecting the trust our customers place in us and the exceptional buying experience we deliver.
A leading regional housebuilder with purpose.
Since 1972, Gilbert & Goode has grown into one of the South West’s most respected new homes developers, creating inspiring neighbourhoods across Cornwall and Devon.
Your work has real social value.
As part of Ocean Housing Group, our profits are gift‑aided back to support the delivery of affordable housing. This means your contribution directly helps provide homes for local people and strengthens the communities we serve.
Community‑first approach.
We believe the most successful developments are shaped by the people who live in them. Community voices influence our designs, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods genuinely meet local needs.
Alongside this sense of purpose, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking team, based at our St Austell headquarters with strong local roots and a deep commitment to the region.
Our Benefits
We offer a flexible and supportive working environment, plus an excellent benefits package:
27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays
10% car allowance
Professional membership fees paid
Company sick pay scheme
Workplace pension with death-in-service benefit
Home office work payment
Medicash health plan (including dental and optical cover)
Cycle to Work scheme
Rewards and recognition programme
On-site parking
Employee Assistance Programme
Family-friendly policies
Closing Date: Thursday 10th of September 2026 at Midnight
Interviews to be held: Wednesday 16th of September 2026
We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon