Estimator - Structural Steel
Location: Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Salary: Competitive, depending on experience
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
The Opportunity
Good estimating is about more than getting the numbers right.
It's about understanding the project behind the drawings, identifying the risks before they become problems, knowing where the commercial opportunities are and giving the client confidence that their project is in safe hands.
That's the opportunity here.
A leading structural steelwork specialist is looking for an Estimator to join its commercial team in Wakefield, working across a varied portfolio of structural steel projects from initial enquiry through to tender submission.
You'll be joining an established business with more than 75 years of experience in the structural steel industry, supported by an experienced and professional team with the capability to deliver everything from straightforward building frames through to complex structural schemes.
The Role
As an Estimator, you'll take responsibility for the enquiry and tender process, assessing opportunities from the outset and identifying schemes that are both technically deliverable and commercially viable.
You'll need to be comfortable working from detailed structural drawings and specifications, understanding what the project requires and turning that information into accurate, competitive estimates.
Just as importantly, this is a client-facing position.
You'll build and maintain relationships with existing customers, support new business opportunities and work closely with departments throughout the business to ensure tenders are prepared accurately and submitted on time.
What you'll be doing
- Managing incoming enquiries and assessing commercially viable schemes
- Reviewing detailed drawings, specifications and project information
- Preparing accurate and detailed estimates for clients
- Managing the estimating and tender process from enquiry through to submission
- Liaising closely with clients throughout the tender process
- Working collaboratively with internal departments to ensure accurate pricing
- Maintaining and developing existing client relationships
- Supporting the development of new client relationships and business opportunities
- Managing a varied workload while working to tight tender deadlines
- Providing commercially informed input throughout the estimating process
What are they looking for?
This role would suit an Estimator who understands that successful estimating combines technical knowledge, commercial awareness and strong communication skills.
You'll ideally have:
- Previous experience within estimating, ideally within structural steel or a closely related environment
- A practical understanding of the estimating and tender process
- The ability to interpret detailed drawings and specifications
- Strong commercial awareness
- Excellent communication and relationship-building skills
- The ability to communicate effectively with clients, colleagues and internal departments
- Good organisation skills and the ability to manage multiple deadlines
- A customer-focused approach
- A relevant technical or engineering qualification would be advantageous
- Previous structural steel experience would be highly desirable
The Package
Salary will be dependent on experience, alongside a competitive benefits package including:
- Company pension
- Sick pay scheme
- Health plan
- Cycle to work scheme
- Share Save scheme
- Option to purchase additional holidays
Why consider it?
If you're an Estimator who wants more than simply putting figures into a spreadsheet, this is an opportunity to become part of a well-established structural steel business where technical understanding, commercial judgement and client relationships all matter.
You'll have the opportunity to work on a varied range of projects, deal directly with clients and play a key role in helping the business identify and secure commercially successful work.
If you're ready for your next move in structural steel estimating, this could be worth a conversation.
