Bid Estimator

WELCOME TO LINAKER

For 30+ years Linaker has specialised in the creation and maintenance of tailor-made business environments. Having shaped workspaces for a wide range of businesses across the country, our heritage lies in our ability to design and regulate spaces that truly work.

Linaker was founded upon three core values: trust, reliability, and care. We are not just a service provider, rather an essential part of our clients’ architecture and, ultimately, an extension of your business, a part of one team.

The last few years has seen Linaker grow exponentially and the bid team have been instrumental in this growth. With big plans for 2024 we are now looking for an exceptional Bid Estimator to join our Business Development team and help drive the business forward.

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Bid Estimator you will be responsible for supporting the bid function to create tailored cost proposals and propositions in response to tenders in a timely manner. Focused on supporting the formulation of bid cost models, evaluating the enquiry with the bid team and solutioning as required. You will provide flexible estimating support to respond to new tender opportunities, delivering bidding excellence to secure a large variety of new contracts in line with the company Sales Strategy.

WHAT YOU WILL BE RESPONSIBLE FOR

• Take a hands-on role in solutioning and cost modelling high-quality winning bids.
• Determine key variables for cost and other estimates.
• Ensure the preparation and submission of cost documentation is timely and accurate.
• Gain a deep understanding of potential clients’ needs, tender requirements, and business operations, by reading and digesting client specifications.
• To research and understand the sector and new developments in it, to ensure interesting and productive communication with clients which promote the Linaker brand.
• Establishing and maintaining relationships with Sub-contractors and supply chain.
• Obtaining quotes from suppliers and contractors within specified time frames/deadlines.
• Supporting the bid lead in assessing the risk levels associated with each bid.
• Completing all technical and commercial amendments, discussions and negotiations arising from the submission of a tender throughout the process right up to contract award, and beyond into operational delivery as required.
• Ensure the bid filing system is followed, ensuring archiving is completed and that all communications are saved in a user-friendly manner to enable easy navigation and interrogation of information.
• Attend off-site meetings/ surveys with Customer as required. Supporting with site surveys to verify equipment to produce labour load/cost models, as required.
• Manage bid submission process as necessary.
• Liaising between departments to prepare accurate estimates.
• Working with Head of Bids (Bid Team) as required to gain cost approvals prior to bid submission.
• Attend team meetings to fulfil your role adequately, such as sales and operational meetings.
• Any other reasonable duties, as required.
• Protect the company’s reputation by ensuring Linaker is always portrayed in a good light and carrying out any other reasonable duties deemed necessary to ensure the business can fulfil its moral and legal duties and obligations.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

Education Requirements

• A BTEC in Building Studies, Building Engineering or Building Management or a HNC / HND / Degree in Quantity Surveying / Construction Management / Civil Engineering (including an industrial placement).
• A-level or similar equivalent in English and maths.
• A high level of verbal, written and numerical skills.
• IT literate and advanced user of Microsoft Office; including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• The ability to understand P&L principles such as gross and net margins, mark ups and multipliers.

Knowledge Requirements

• Proven experience as estimator or similar position.
• Experience and good technical understanding of FM services, the services Linaker provide and the value proposition of the supply of such services, as well as ability to chase subcontractors.
• Familiarity with financial and project management principles.
• Excellent computer skills and ability to spell check, edit and format documents.

Preferred Work Experience

• Minimum 3+ years of industry exposure, preferably in Hard FM estimating role.
• Experience in a fast paced & busy sales team environment.
• The ability to work in a pressured and time focussed environment.
• Hard FM operational and technical knowledge desirable but not essential.

Other Qualifications, Memberships etc

• Ideally an industry recognised qualification such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE).
• Proficiency with word processing, spreadsheet or estimating software.
• Exquisite math and IT ability with an analytical mindset.
• The ability to read architectural plans and develop cost estimates.

Personal Qualities

• An excellent and considered communicator across all stakeholders both internally and externally.
• Driven by the detail, with a passion for accuracy and getting it right first time.
• The ability to listen and interpret need into a value proposition and negotiate within business parameters.
• A natural problem solver, who thrives under pressure. Can stay cool and calm in the face of adversity and can demonstrate empathy when overcoming challenges. Rises to every challenge and can think and problem solve spontaneously and effectively.
• Excellent time management skills and prioritisation of tasks amongst multiple deadlines.
• Self-motivated and driven, able to work independently and take responsibility for agreed areas of work.
• Ability to collaborate and work as part of a wider team.
• Can demonstrate an emotional intelligence that balances client service, solutions and supporting others.

THE PACKAGE

• A competitive starting salary of £45,000 - £65,000 with annual pay reviews.
• 25 Days holiday plus bank holidays.
• Plenty of opportunity for progression.
• Flexibility for hybrid working. Linaker office (Bristol or London), combined with home working and a requirement for travel throughout the regional network, as required to support the bid function.
• Health care and medical insurance available after a qualifying period.

INTERESTED

In summary this is a fantastic opportunity for a proven Bid Estimator that is results orientated and wants to be part of fast-growing business. If you think we’re a match – click apply now! We look forward to hearing from you.