buildspace - jobs
estimator.
Estimator.
Ref: V-74934
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location.
Cambridge
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salary.
£75000 - £85000 per annum
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type.
Permanent
job description.
Estimator – Laboratory & Office Fit-OutLocation: Cambridge (Satellite Office)
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 Package (DOE)
Engagement: Permanent
Hybrid Working: 3 days in office / 2 days WFH
About the Company
Our client specialises in laboratory and office fit-outs, delivering high-quality projects across the science and technology sectors. Their services include consultancy, building appraisals, project management and cost control, providing fully tailored solutions to meet complex client requirements.
They have built a strong reputation within the construction industry for successfully delivering office-to-laboratory conversions, building adaptations and technically demanding refurbishment schemes. With deep expertise in laboratory compliance and design, they ensure projects meet regulatory standards while achieving practical, efficient and future-proofed environments.
The Role
Our client is seeking a proactive, detail-oriented Estimator to join their Pre-Construction team on a permanent basis. You’ll prepare accurate, competitive estimates for laboratory and commercial fit-out and refurbishment schemes, ensuring alignment with the company’s standards for quality, safety and compliance.
This is a hybrid role, based out of the Cambridge satellite office (3 days in office, 2 days working from home).
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and prepare comprehensive cost plans, pre-tender budgets and tender returns for laboratory and office fit-out projects.
- Interpret architectural, structural and M&E drawings; complete material take-offs and measure works.
- Manage the end-to-end estimating process: tender review, subcontractor enquiries/pricing, and final commercial submissions.
- Contribute to bid strategy sessions with Pre-Construction, Technical Services, Commercial and Directors.
- Drive value engineering and cost-saving proposals without compromising quality, safety or compliance.
- Engage and negotiate with supply chain partners to secure competitive, compliant pricing.
- Collaborate with planning, procurement and delivery teams to ensure programme and buildability alignment.
- Present estimates to commercial leadership/directors, clearly articulating risks, opportunities and pricing rationale.
- Support post-tender reviews and capture lessons learned for continuous improvement.
Essential Skills & Qualifications
- 5 years (7 preferred) estimating for laboratory, commercial fit-out or refurbishment projects.
- Strong technical understanding of laboratory environments and M&E installations.
- Full lifecycle estimating experience: measuring, bidding, subcontractor management and cost control.
- Proficiency with estimating tools (e.g., CostX, Bluebeam, Estimator) and Microsoft Office.
- Exceptional attention to detail, numerical accuracy and commercial awareness.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Proven commitment to high standards in quality, safety and compliance.
- Collaborative, proactive mindset with the ability to work to tight deadlines.
Desirable
- Professional qualifications: MRICS/ACostE or QS/Construction Management credentials.
- Experience working within the science, technology or laboratory sectors.
- Familiarity with tools such as Procore or 1Breadcrumb.
What’s in it for you?
- Join a growing specialist contractor with a strong reputation in the laboratory and technical fit-out sector.
- Meaningful influence on bid strategy and project outcomes.
- Exposure to technically challenging, high-specification schemes.
- Long-term career progression within an expanding business.
How to Apply
If you’re an Estimator with laboratory or commercial fit-out experience and strong technical understanding, please send your CV to:
jacky.t@buildspaceuk.com
