City of London
Criterion Capital is seeking a detail-oriented and commercially astute Construction Estimator to join our team, playing a critical role in shaping the financial viability of our development pipeline. This role sits at the heart of our pre-construction and delivery process, supporting office-to-hotel conversions and PRS (Private Rented Sector) developments within a business that operates as a developer, asset manager, and owner/operator of long-term hospitality and residential assets. The Construction Estimator will be responsible for producing accurate cost plans, benchmarking data, and financial appraisals from early-stage feasibility through to detailed design. Working closely with design, pre-construction, and construction teams, the Estimator will ensure that projects are commercially robust, risks are understood, and budgets are controlled from inception through to handover. Key Responsibilities: • Prepare detailed cost estimates and cost plans across all RIBA stages, from feasibility through to construction, • Support land appraisals and acquisition assessments with high-level budget estimates and cost benchmarking, • Develop and maintain elemental cost plans, ensuring alignment with design development and project scope, • Lead the measurement and quantification of works from drawings and specifications, • Identify cost risks, value engineering opportunities, and cost-saving strategies throughout the design process, • Collaborate closely with design, planning, and construction teams to ensure cost-effective and deliverable solutions, • Manage and analyse tender returns, including preparing tender comparison reports and recommendations, • Engage with contractors, suppliers, and consultants to obtain competitive pricing and market intelligence, • Support procurement strategies and advise on contract structures to optimise value and mitigate risk, • Monitor cost movements and provide regular budget updates to internal stakeholders, • Assist in the preparation of Employer’s Requirements and scope documentation, • Build and maintain a database of historical costs, benchmarks, and supply chain intelligence, • Ensure all estimates are aligned with current regulations, specifications, and market conditions, • Provide clear and concise reporting to senior stakeholders on cost status, risks, and opportunities About You: • 5–10+ years’ experience in construction estimating, cost planning, or quantity surveying, • Strong experience in residential, hotel, or mixed-use developments (conversion experience is highly desirable), • Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field, • Professional membership (e.g., RICS) is desirable but not essential, • Strong understanding of UK construction methods, materials, and cost drivers, • Proven ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously, • Excellent numerical, analytical, and commercial skill, • Provide strong subcontractor/supply chain data base., • Proficient in estimating software and tools (e.g., CostX, Excel, Bluebeam), • Strong communication and negotiation skills, • Detail-oriented with a proactive and problem-solving mindset, • Ability to challenge design and drive value without compromising quality