About this role
Who are we?
Smiths (Gloucester) Ltd is a family run business owned and run by the Smith family since 1982. Smiths has grown from a single owner-operated plant hire company to a multifaceted group with family values still firmly at the heart of each project undertaken. With depots in Avonmouth, Cardiff, Gloucester, Stonehouse and Tewkesbury we operate predominately across the South-West of England. We specialise in Construction, Waste Management, Plant Hire, Demolition and Transport operations.
We are seeking an experienced Estimator with 5 + years proven experience estimating in the Construction industry. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of contracts, excellent financial acumen and strong negotiation and leadership skills. A Quantity Surveyor will a desire to progress into estimating would be a suitable candidate. The successful candidate will have experience in preparing tender rates from first principles, as Smiths self-deliver their works using our own resources.
You will be based from our Head Office (GL2 7ND) working on projects that are across the South-West and South Wales.
What we're looking for?
The Senior Construction Estimator plays a critical role in securing profitable work by leading the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially sound cost estimates for construction projects across the business.
Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Operational, and Supply Chain teams, the role involves full ownership of the tendering and estimating process—from initial enquiry through to final bid submission. The successful candidate will bring a strategic approach to pricing, strong market awareness, and the ability to identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering solutions.
This role requires a highly experienced professional capable of managing complex tenders, mentoring junior estimators, and contributing to long-term business growth and bidding strategy.
Responsibilities for the job role:
Working on groundworks and civil engineering projects
Maintain and develop relationships with clients & suppliers
Always work closely with the pre-contract team and stakeholders
Manage incoming tenders, ITT’s and workload
Arrange and chair tender launch meetings
Visit site and determine site conditions, where applicable
Understand the tender / ITT instructions; working with the pre-contract team determine own actions and those to be undertaken by others
Undertake measurement in accordance with prevailing methods and standards
Create and deliver sustainable strategies to secure profitable tender & ITT opportunities
Price detailed tenders, using company software, identifying resource requirements, activity outputs, best subcontractor and supplier rates
Prepare target prices, budgets and rates from first principles
Complete cost comparisons
Price Bills of Quantities and Activity Schedules - prepare compliant tenders & quotations
Prepare tender books and profit plans for internal tender settlements
Prepare risk registers for incorporation into the Contract documentation and for use within live projects
Review and understand tender instructions and proposed conditions of (sub)contract
Complete tender and submit approved tenders & quotations
Manage and prepare amendments to tender during the tender process
Engage with Clients, Consultants and Main Contractors when preparing tenders and actively follow up our submissions to improve likelihood of success
Help build a scalable estimating team aligned with the future business growth
What can we offer you?
Be part of a successful family run business
Life Assurance Scheme
Competitive Salary
Free on-site Parking
Company Car or Car Allowance
Corporate gym membership discount
Annual Salary Review
Employee discount (50% on Skip Hire, other discounts on group services)
Progression opportunities
24 hour unlimited access to mental health support
What are our core values?
If these values align with yours you are in the right place!
Honesty - We believe that honesty in all matters is the best policy.
Family values - We operate as a family unit with high moral standards, discipline and respect.
Hardworking - We are certain that nothing is impossible if you work hard enough at it.
Reliability - We pride ourselves on not letting people down and being true to our word.
Environmental sustainability - We aim to minimise the impact that our company has on the environment by reducing emissions and waste, and recycling a large proportion of our waste (90% plus). We truly believe in a greener future for generations to come.
Please apply if you are interested in this role and we will come back to you.