Estimator – Brickwork & Masonry

Location: Chelmsford, Essex / London
Working Pattern: Office based with potential hybrid working between Chelmsford and London
Salary: £80,000 – £120,000 depending on experience
Employment Type: Permanent

Role Summary

A leading brickwork and masonry contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Estimator to join its commercial and pre-construction team.

This is a senior opportunity with a well-established contractor delivering substantial brickwork and masonry packages across London and the South East.

The successful candidate must have direct experience estimating brickwork, blockwork and masonry packages for a specialist subcontractor or contractor. General construction estimating experience without a strong masonry background will not be sufficient.

You will be responsible for managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission, producing accurate cost plans, completing detailed take-offs and helping secure profitable new work.

Key Responsibilities

• Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and contract information.
• Produce detailed estimates for brickwork, blockwork and masonry packages.
• Complete accurate material and labour take-offs.
• Prepare bills of quantities and detailed pricing schedules.
• Obtain and analyse supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Assess labour requirements, material quantities, preliminaries and associated costs.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities within tender documentation.
• Prepare tender submissions and commercial proposals.
• Attend pre-tender and post-tender meetings where required.
• Work closely with directors, commercial teams, Quantity Surveyors and operational staff.
• Assist with value engineering and alternative construction solutions.
• Maintain accurate estimating records and tender documentation.
• Build strong relationships with main contractors, suppliers and other project stakeholders.
• Support the handover of successfully secured projects to the commercial and operational teams.
• Monitor market pricing and maintain up-to-date knowledge of labour and material costs.

Essential Experience

• Strong estimating experience within the brickwork and masonry sector.
• Previous employment with a specialist brickwork, masonry or façade subcontractor is highly desirable.
• Detailed knowledge of brickwork, blockwork and associated masonry packages.
• Strong understanding of labour outputs, material costs and package build-ups.
• Experience pricing significant subcontract packages for major construction projects.
• Confident completing take-offs from drawings and specifications.
• Good understanding of construction contracts and tender documentation.
• Strong numerical and commercial ability.
• Able to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.
• Confident communicating with main contractors, clients, suppliers and internal teams.

Skills & Attributes

• Commercially astute and detail focused.
• Strong negotiation skills.
• Accurate and methodical approach to estimating.
• Able to work independently while contributing to the wider commercial team.
• Comfortable working on high-value and technically demanding packages.
• Strong written and verbal communication.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating software.

Package

• £80,000 – £120,000 basic salary depending on experience
• Senior-level position within an established specialist contractor.
• Long-term career opportunity.
• Strong and established project pipeline.
• Potential hybrid working arrangement.
• Opportunity to work across major London and South East construction projects.