Adore Recruitment

Estimator - Commercial Projects Southend-on-Sea £40,000 - £60,000 + Benefits We're partnered with a long-established and highly respected Essex-based main contractor delivering commercial, education, healthcare, community, and residential construction projects across Essex and the wider East Anglia region. With over 60 years of successful trading, the business has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality refurbishment, extension, alteration, and new-build schemes while maintaining long-term relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors. Unlike heavily corporate contractors, the environment is collaborative, fast-moving, and relationship-driven, giving estimators genuine visibility of projects from initial enquiry through to contract award. This is an excellent opportunity for a capable Estimator who wants broad project exposure, greater responsibility, and a clear route toward senior pre-construction or commercial positions. The Opportunity Working closely with the Commercial Manager, operational teams, and directors, you'll play a key role in the preparation and submission of competitive tenders across a varied portfolio of refurbishment and construction projects. You'll be trusted to take ownership of tenders, contribute to pricing strategy, and help secure future work across multiple sectors. What You'll Be Doing Preparing detailed quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications Producing accurate cost estimates for refurbishment, alteration, extension, and new-build projects Preparing and submitting competitive tender returns Reviewing drawings, specifications, and tender documentation Sending enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers Obtaining, analysing, and comparing subcontractor and supplier quotations Building up rates and pricing schedules Identifying value engineering opportunities and cost-saving options Assisting with tender adjudications and commercial reviews Maintaining accurate estimating records and cost databases Liaising with site, design, and operational teams during the tender process Contributing to the continuous improvement of estimating procedures and systems What They're Looking For The ideal candidate will already have experience working for a main contractor, refurbishment contractor, or construction business and be comfortable managing tenders with a good degree of autonomy. Key Requirements Minimum 3+ years' experience in estimating within construction Strong understanding of construction methods, materials, and sequencing Experience pricing refurbishment and/or new-build projects Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and tender documents Experience obtaining and assessing subcontractor quotations Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills Excellent attention to detail Confident communication and teamwork abilities Proficiency in Microsoft Office Experience with estimating software is advantageous Degree, HNC/HND, or equivalent qualification in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline is beneficial Most importantly, they're looking for someone who is commercially aware, proactive, and keen to develop into a senior member of the pre-construction team. Ready to Apply? If you're an Estimator with relevant construction, refurbishment, commercial, education, healthcare, or main contractor experience and are looking for broader project exposure, greater responsibility, and long-term progression within a respected regional contractor, we'd like to hear from you. The business is actively recruiting, and interviews are being arranged immediately. Please hit apply and we'll be in touch to organise a confidential discussion.