Estimator

We are looking for an experienced Construction Estimator to join our team, taking responsibility for cost planning, estimating and commercial appraisals across a diverse portfolio of development projects. You will play a key role in assessing project viability, establishing accurate budgets and identifying opportunities to maximise value, ensuring projects are commercially robust and financially deliverable from feasibility through to construction.Our projects include commercial-to-hotel conversions, mixed-use residential developments and Private Rented Sector (PRS) schemes.

Criterion Capital is an entrepreneurial property company. We move fast, think commercially and convert existing buildings into affordable hotels and residential accommodation. As a developer, asset manager and long-term owner/operator, we take a hands-on approach to delivering and managing our assets.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare, manage and develop detailed cost estimates and cost plans across all RIBA stages, from initial feasibility through to detailed design and construction.
• Support land acquisitions and development appraisals by preparing initial budget estimates, cost assessments and benchmarking.
• Develop and maintain detailed elemental cost plans, ensuring budgets remain aligned with design development and project requirements.
• Lead the measurement and quantification of construction works from drawings, specifications and design information.
• Undertake cost analysis and benchmarking, identifying opportunities to improve value and optimise project budgets.
• Identify cost risks, potential savings and value engineering opportunities throughout the design and pre-construction process.
• Work closely with design, planning, pre-construction and construction teams to develop cost-effective and commercially viable solutions.
• Prepare, review and analyse tender submissions, including detailed tender comparisons and recommendations.
• Engage with contractors, subcontractors, suppliers and consultants to obtain competitive pricing and maintain up-to-date market intelligence.
• Support procurement strategies, advising on pricing, contract structures and risk allocation to achieve best value.
• Monitor cost movements and provide regular budget updates, forecasts and commercial reports to senior management.
• Assist in preparing Employer’s Requirements, scope documents and tender documentation.
• Build and maintain a database of historical project costs, benchmarks and supply chain pricing to support future estimating and appraisals.
• Ensure estimates reflect current construction methods, specifications, regulations and market conditions.
• Provide clear commercial advice and cost recommendations to support key development and investment decisions.

What We’re Looking For

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in construction estimating, cost planning or quantity surveying, ideally within a property development or construction environment.
• Proven experience preparing cost plans, estimates and financial appraisals across large-scale construction or development projects.
• Experience across residential, hotel or mixed-use developments, with commercial-to-hotel conversion experience highly desirable.
• Strong commercial awareness and financial acumen, with the ability to assess project viability, challenge costs and identify opportunities to maximise value.
• Excellent knowledge of UK construction methods, materials, procurement processes and key construction cost drivers.
• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills, with excellent attention to detail.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and estimating software such as CostX and Bluebeam.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills, with the confidence to engage with contractors, consultants and internal project teams.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and consistency.
• RICS membership or working towards professional accreditation is desirable but not essential.

If you are looking for a commercially focused estimating role with real responsibility and the opportunity to influence development decisions from the earliest stages, this is an excellent opportunity to join a fast-growing property investment and development business and work across a diverse portfolio of projects.