Estimator Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

An Estimator, or Cost Engineer, is responsible for cost calculations to determine how much it will cost a company to complete a project or provide products and services to its clients. They do this by researching the costs of the materials, transport, labour and equipment.

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Estimator duties and responsibilities

When you want to appoint an Estimator, consider whether you wish to employ them on a permanent, temporary or freelance basis. The duties and responsibilities of an Estimator will differ between companies, but the typical duties and responsibilities of an Estimator include the following:

  • Researching the cost of items such as materials, transport, labour and equipment
  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with contractors and vendors
  • Getting quotes from suppliers and contractors within a specified time frame
  • Assessing the risk levels associated with a project
  • Preparing and submitting quotations and details of costs for work to be done
  • Assisting with bids for new contracts and supporting the activities of buyers
  • Monitoring the costs at the different stages of a project to ensure it stays within the estimated costs

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Estimator Job Description Examples:

 

Example 1

GHI are currently seeking an Estimator to join our team. Reporting to Senior Management you will be responsible for pricing your own workload of tenders from first principles including; Tender review Collating package information Liaising with sub-contractor supply chain Ensuring commercially viable and competitive pricing through the effective use of all technical information Using estimating software Reviewing potential Value engineering options Analysing sub-contractor / supplier quotations for the most competitive and compliant Attending relevant meetings / site visits Presenting bids to senior management for final review Based at GHI’s office in Bellshill this is a role for an estimator from a principal contractor or related sub-contractor background. The ability to be organised, disseminate information accurately and to meet deadlines is crucial. This role has a defined career development opportunity and offers a very competitive salary package based on successful candidates’ experience. The successful candidate must demonstrate: Experience in an estimating capacity within a main contractor / fit out business In depth knowledge of the Scottish construction supply chain market The drive and ability to self manage workload The ability to establish effective relationships with internal and external stakeholders Qualifications & Experience: A track record of successful commercial projects should be demonstrated, with the following skills evident: Multi-tasking Creative Thinking Customer Focus Communication Skills Analytical Thinking Team Working Drive & Decisiveness Hours of Work: Standard 08:30 to 17:30. Flexible / remote working options available. Mobility: Based at GHI office in Bellshill, with attendance at planned meetings throughout Scotland, and an occasional requirement for specific appointments elsewhere in the UK. Full drivers license required. GHI are an equal opportunities employer, recruiting on the basis of suitability for the role. If you feel that you would fit into the GHI team, embracing our ethos of client focus, transparency and excellence, please e-mail your CV, in confidence, to: , or alternatively send your details to our HR Department at: GHI Contracts Ltd Belgrave Court Rosehall Road Bellshill Lanarkshire ML4 3NR No Agencies If you feel that you would fit into the GHI team, embracing our ethos of client quality, teamwork and pride, please e-mail your CV, in confidence to:

Example 2

*MG Accident Repair Centre* is a long established, privately owned Accident Repair Centre. Following recent expansion and refurbishment we are now looking to appoint an experienced *Vehicle Estimator*/*Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA)*. Following the redevelopment, the business now benefits from a modern and clean working environment with the latest tooling and equipment. Approved by many of the leading Insurers and Accident Management Companies and BSi accredited. Applicants must have experience of using Audatex and sound knowledge of vehicle methods and repair process . ATA or NVQ equivalent qualification would be an advantage, however, full training and development is available. Attention to detail is a must, with a *right first time* approach in constructing a comprehensive repair estimate. Price matching and knowledge of Autoflow would also be desirable, although, not essential. Basic working hours are 8.00am - 5.30pm Mon - Fri . Please visit the website - *[website] for more information on the business. Reference ID: Vehicle Estimator/Vehicle Damage Assessor (VDA) Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £25,000.00-£35,000.00 per year Reference ID: VDA Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £25,000.00-£35,000.00 per year Schedule: * 8 hour shift Experience: * Estimating/VDA: 3 years (required) * VDA - ATA or Level 3 Equivalent Qualification (preferred) * Driving Licence (required)

Example 3

*Bodyshop Car/Vehicle Painter - at our Bognor site* *7.00am – 5.00pm Mon – Fri* *£18.00 per hour* Halo Accident Repairs Ltd is an industry leading automotive repair group that enjoy an unprecedented consistency in Quality, Speed and Customer service. Our proven processes are different which allow Halo to be industry-leading in the accident repair industry. We repair all makes, models and damage of all shapes and sizes. *The Role: * *We are looking for someone suitably experienced to hit the ground running within our Halo team. The main purpose of this job is to prepare, paint and finish vehicles to the highest standard in the time specified for each job*. *Ideally the successful applicant will have extensive experience in the vehicle accident repair industry.* *You will need to have at least 3 years’ experience in car/vehicle painting and hold a full driving licence.* *You will need to be a team player, able to work to deadlines and have the ability to use your own initiative* Done well, you will understand how your professionalism at each stage, contributes to the successful implementation of the next. You will be proactive and always thinking one step ahead about how you can ensure success for the team. *Benefits: * Our teams and Centres are extraordinary and our staff are at the core of our results. Due to our unique relationship with our clients, you can expect an excellent package and benefits (some of which are below): *A very competitive hourly rate £18.00 p/h* *25 days leave, plus bank holidays* *Paid rest breaks* *Free Uniform* *Company Pension* *Free Personal Annual Health Surveillance* *A Modern clean and pleasant working environment with free parking* *To apply for this position please forward your contact details and CV as requested.* *"_Strictly no Agency Job Types: Full-time, Permanent Salary: £18.00 per hour Schedule: * Monday to Friday Experience: * Paint Technician: 3 years (required) Work remotely: * No

What does an Estimator do?

An Estimator provides estimates for the costs of a project, products and services. Researching the prices of the various components involved requires an Estimator to get estimates and quotes from vendors and contractors. Estimators help the sales team with proposals, tracking costs, understanding the customer’s specifications and calculating the final budget for the project, product or service. They often collaborate with Engineers, Architects and Contractors. At times, Estimators have to present their analysis to senior management.

Estimator skills and qualifications

An Estimator requires a broad set of skills to be successful, including knowledge of mathematics and organisational skills. Estimators need excellent communication skills to work with a range of stakeholders. A successful Estimator candidate should have the following prerequisite skills and qualifications they include:

  • The ability to work under pressure to meet set goals, budgets and deadlines
  • Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet or estimating software
  • The ability to read architectural plans and develop cost estimates 
  • The ability to manage time well and multitask
  • Strong understanding of the residential construction process 
  • Analytical skills
  • Attention to detail
  • The ability to take criticism

Estimator experience requirements

The seniority of the position and the type of industry will determine the experience needed for the role. Candidates who are new to the field should have some experience in administration, surveying, project management or construction. Employers may require a candidate to have proven experience in estimating, surveying or tendering. They may also need the candidate to be familiar with estimating software. Estimators should also be able to present technical and complex information in a simplified manner to different stakeholders. For a Senior Estimator position, employers may require the ideal candidate to have experience in the management of staff.

Estimator education and training requirements

When reviewing CVs to fill an Estimator’s position, keep in mind that there are different ways to become an Estimator. Candidates could have completed a Higher National Diploma with units in contract tendering, construction, estimating, buying and quantity surveying. They could also have completed a University Degree in Civil Engineering, Accounting or a related field. Alternatively, candidates could have finished an advanced apprenticeship for a Project Controls Technician or gained work experience as an Administrator, Technician or Surveying Assistant before becoming an Estimator.

If a position requires the successful candidate to train and work on a construction site, the candidate will need to have a Construction Skills Certification Scheme or equivalent.

Estimator salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for an Estimator is £34,954 per year. The salary level for Estimators depends on the company, its location and the years of experience required.

Job description samples for similar positions

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Estimator job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Estimator?

A good Estimator needs persistence to get the necessary information to make accurate cost estimates, a good temperament to handle working under pressure and to deal with difficult stakeholders and the ability to collaborate with others to get the cost estimates done accurately and on time.

What is the difference between an Estimator and a Quantity Surveyor?

In the construction industry, an Estimator completes the cost estimations before the project starts. A Quantity Surveyor is involved in the project from the beginning to the end. Estimators work mostly on residential and small commercial projects whereas a Quantity Surveyor works on large, complex projects. The priority of an Estimator is on providing accurate and timely estimations to help the company or clients win tenders. Quantity Surveyors provide a Bill of Quantities which contains details of the quantities of materials and labour required for the completion of a project.

Do Estimators have different responsibilities in different industries?

Most Estimators are employed in either the construction or manufacturing industries. In the construction industry, Estimators do cost estimates for construction projects, including buildings, bridges and roads. In the manufacturing industry, Estimators do cost estimates for the development, production and design of an organisation’s products and services.

Job Description Examples

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