Commercial Estimator

FOREWORD

Butler Harwell is a respected, design-led technology integration company operating across the United Kingdom, delivering engineered audio-visual, smart-control and connected-environment solutions. We operate across premium residential, hospitality and commercial environments, collaborating with architects, interior designers, developers, lighting designers and fit-out specialists. Our projects range from private residences to boutique hotels, restaurants, workspaces and high-end developments — all with a shared focus on design integrity and exceptional execution.

Following sustained investment in marketing and business development, the volume and quality of structured enquiries and tender opportunities has grown significantly. We are now seeking an experienced Commercial Estimator to take ownership of accurate pricing, structured tender control and commercial evaluation.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This is a senior, commercially influential role reporting directly to the company directors and senior leadership team. You will lead our estimating workflow — interpreting tender documentation, developing structured pricing, engaging with supply chains and ensuring proposals are both competitive and commercially robust. You will influence profitability at both ends of the commercial process — through accurate estimating and through intelligent, disciplined procurement.

Success in the role will be measured by:

• Pricing accuracy
• Margin protection and improvement
• Win-rate on targeted opportunities

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce accurate, commercially strong cost estimates and proposal documents across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors.
• Build pricing using WeQuote alongside associated complementary software platforms and/or services.
• Lead the estimating workflow from initial tender/RFI to submission, including clarifications and structured commercial handover.
• Interpret drawings, schedules, specifications and tender packs, producing digital take-offs and structured BoMs.
• Operate within procurement procedures and policies, ensuring competitive supplier pricing, commercial protection and cost certainty.
• Source and compare supplier/subcontractor quotations; verify lead times and product availability.
• Propose value-engineering solutions without compromising design intent.
• Factor preliminaries, overhead recovery, assumptions and risk allowances clearly and logically into pricing.
• Track and report on tender pipeline activity, pricing accuracy, margin retention and win-rate.
• Maintain awareness of competitor pricing, sector trends, product availability and labour rates.
• Support leadership during clarifications, interviews and commercial negotiations.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Essential:

• Proven estimating experience in AV integration, M&E, smart-home technology, electrical contracting or a technical construction/project environment.
• Strong commercial acumen — able to balance competitiveness with profitability and margin protection.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, schedules, specifications and tender documentation.
• Strong spreadsheet and digital take-off / markup skills, using appropriate estimating and document review tools.
• Highly organised and able to manage multiple concurrent tenders.

Advantageous:

• Experience with JCT contracts, including variations and change control.
• Understanding of preliminaries and correctly accounting for overhead recovery.
• Experience with structured procurement processes or supply-chain qualification.
• Comfortable engaging with suppliers, manufacturers and subcontractors.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Competitive salary + bonus linked to commercial performance.
• Hybrid working — minimum two days per week in our Kent and Essex offices (following onboarding).
• A design-led and collaborative environment, working alongside creative and technical specialists.
• A company that invests in people — ongoing development, training and exposure to commercially significant projects.
• A varied portfolio across residential, hospitality and commercial sectors.

HOW TO APPLY

If you believe you can contribute to our commercial success and want to grow in return, please email your CV and a concise covering statement to our Founding Director, Tom Butler:

To help us understand your commercial awareness, please include:

• Your salary/package expectations for year 1, year 3 and year 5 with associated rationale.
• A short explanation of how you will help improve margin and commercial outcomes through accurate estimating and disciplined procurement.

Salary progression is not based on time served — it reflects the value you create.

Butler Harwell commits to investing in your development, expanding your capability and increasing your commercial responsibility. In return, we expect initiative, ownership and a focus on measurable impact.

We invest — you grow — we succeed together.