Job Description

Senior Estimator

Creating and building beautiful, award-winning homes is what we do at Dandara -- homes that combine innovative design with the highest standards of quality. It's something we've been doing for over 30 years, and it's part of the reason we're one of the UK's most respected private housebuilders. Just as important is how we work with local communities to ensure every development enhances and complements its surroundings beautifully.


We're now looking for a Senior Estimator to play a key strategic role in supporting developments across our regions. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced professional to lead on cost planning and provide vital commercial insight from land acquisition through to delivery.

What you'll do

Land

Prepare initial construction budgets using in-house cost models and external data for land purchase feasibility studies. Support bid submissions by identifying and costing all abnormal elements and risks.

Planning

Produce detailed construction budgets covering both direct labour and subcontract packages to enable cost certainty at the planning submission stage. Provide the technical team with cost advice and input during design development, identifying value engineering opportunities and potential risks. Interrogate live cost reports to extract relevant financial data for feasibility work. Develop and maintain the Estimating/Cost Planning system and standard templates to ensure accurate integration with financial reporting and audit trails.

General

Measure, calculate and prepare direct labour prices. Coordinate with contractors to obtain market data for estimates. Conduct site visits and liaise with consultants on cost issues. Prepare monthly cost plan status reports for submission to Directors. Maintain and develop a comprehensive database of rates for future cost planning. Structure cost plans into detailed trade and preliminary package budgets. Ensure compliance with Dandara Management System processes and documentation. Collaborate with engineers, surveyors, buyers, interiors and construction teams on all development cost matters. Chair and minute feasibility, cost plan and budget meetings. Support initial material take-offs and cost coding to ensure budget accuracy.

What you'll bring

Proven experience in estimating or surveying within the residential or commercial property sector. Strong technical understanding of construction costs and project financials. Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word. A proactive, detail-driven approach with the confidence to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

What we'll offer you

Since 1988, Dandara has built a reputation for creating exceptional homes and commercial properties that deliver real value without compromising on design, durability or quality. Today, we're one of the UK's largest independent property developers, with over 10,000 happy customers and more than 100 industry awards for design and quality -- and it's all thanks to our dedicated team.

Our benefits include:

Competitive basic salary Car allowance Discretionary bonus 33 days holiday (inclusive of bank holidays) Private Medical Insurance Employee Assistance Programme (EAP) Health Hero digital doctor - 24-hour virtual appointments Health Assured Wisdom App Competitive parental leave 3x salary life assurance (option to increase to 4x) Cycle to Work Scheme Employer-matched pension scheme (up to 5%) Flexible benefits including shopping vouchers, airport parking and discounted gym membership

Important note for recruitment agencies

Please do not send unsolicited CVs or resumes by any means. Any unsolicited submissions will be treated as property of Dandara, and no fees will be payable for introductions made without prior agreement.