Senior Estimator

At Unispace, we are committed to transforming workplaces to meet the diverse needs of today’s dynamic global brands. Our agile, end-to-end approach is delivered seamlessly across borders, fueled by strong client partnerships and supported by insightful workplace intelligence and innovative technology.

We believe that everyone deserves to work in an environment that inspires productivity, fosters peak performance, and promotes overall well-being. Across our 48 global studios, we recognize that positive work environments cultivate open, collaborative, and supportive cultures, enriched by the contributions of independent and motivated individuals from all backgrounds.

While our core business revolves around strategizing, designing, and building workplaces for some of the world's leading brands, we understand that our people are our greatest asset. We prioritize their growth and well-being through a comprehensive Employee Value Proposition program that includes rewards and recognition, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on mental and physical well-being.

To further support our team, we embrace flexible working arrangements, including hybrid working options that empower our employees to balance in-office collaboration with remote work flexibility. This approach not only enhances work-life balance but also allows us to harness the full potential of our diverse and talented workforce.

Role Profile:

As a Senior Estimator, you will manage commercial Interior fit out projects from initial client meeting through the pre contract stage. This will include working with design development, estimating, technical evaluation, assembling documentation for tenders, contract agreement up to the point of hand over to the Contracts Manager who will undertake the build process thereafter.

Responsibilities:

Your primary responsibilities will involve leading projects from their inception, managing multi-disciplinary teams and agreeing contracts. The key elements of the role involve the following:

• Lead and coordinate the estimating proposal from scope identification to final costing and submittal of proposal
• Thoroughly review plans, drawings and specifications and develop deep understanding of all materials, labor and time required to complete the project.
• Collaborate with project team in planning phases prior to project initiation
• Review drawings and provide comments to highlight potential constructability issues; value engineering opportunities; and accurate scope of work. Spearhead any corrections/changes needed.
• Budget and net profit targets met
• Work closely with Managing Directors, Global Director, Delivery and local Principals to ensure budgeting and forecasts aligns with methodology.
• Effective cash flow management i.e. negotiation of payment terms
• Conduct comprehensive subcontractor bid process to ensure all subs are bidding on the same scope of work, project details, logistics, time schedules, etc.
• Ensure project schedules are robust enough for estimating and purchasing to occur
• Produce complete and progressive project budgets throughout the client acquisition process and as projects are initiated.
• Present proposals and progressive budgeting to clients based on their needs and their presentation preferences.
• Ensure project profitability, client satisfaction and quality subcontractors on each job
• Effective client communication throughout the pre construction phase
• Build and nurture subcontractor relationships which put our client first
• Share project success stories and lessons learnt locally

Key Measures:

• Prepare detailed trade cost plans, including preliminaries, trade costs, furniture, authority costs engineers’ fees and design using standard codes
• Identify potential profit opportunities and communicate to the PM Team
• Monitor and understand trade risk and incorporate into Project Control Sheet
• Understand tendering and pricing process and be capable of negotiating to obtain best price
• Assist in the effective handover of the project between Technical and Project Management when required. Some jobs will require you to carry out the Project Management.
• Maintain an accurate up to date cost plan/PCS database
• Review contractor offers and provide recommendations
• Manage simultaneous projects – from office & Site visits
• Provide technical input to client fee proposal
• Client relationship and advocacy roles
• Manage stakeholder expectations through well run PCG meetings and good communication
• Prepare client programs to accurately reflect project delivery milestones and deadlines
• Provide support and guidance on projects to identify gapes and/or potential risks then work to find innovative and suitable solutions
• Monitor and understand trade risk and incorporate into Project Control Sheets
• Understand tendering and pricing process and be capable of negotiating to obtain best price
• Provide support and guidance on projects to identify gaps and/or potential risks then work to find innovative and suitable solutions

Experience and Skills Required:

• Extensive experience in construction estimating, ideally with extensive commercial focus
• In depth knowledge and understanding of local market and subcontractors
• Vast knowledge of all trades needed and strong ability to identify scope, timeframes needed, execution, potential exposures, etc. of each trade
• Ability to scope and analyse bids from all trades
• Demonstrated understanding of preconstruction and delivery methodologies
• Experience managing and coordinating subcontractor trades
• Knowledgeable of building codes, and health & safety standards
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Project and Construction Project Management software, preferably Vista
• Construction planning, estimating, budgeting and forecasting
• Commercial awareness
• Led multiple pre-con teams concurrently

What We Offer

In return, you will receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including a pension, paid holiday leave, and travel opportunities across our global offices. Unispace Group values its employees and offers extensive rewards and recognition, career development, and a focus on well-being.

While we do support Hybrid and Flexible working where possible, there will be a requirement to travel to client-sites as well as to be in office to collaborate with the team on a regular basis.

Join Us

If you are passionate about joining Unispace, and contributing to some of the world’s most recognisable commercial design projects, then please apply through our careers site or reach out to one of our Talent Acquisition team.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.

We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case-by-case basis.

Inclusion and Diversity Commitment:

At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, color, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of color, women, neurodiverse and LGBTQ+ individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.