Calculator (construction).

As a Construction Estimator, you will be responsible for preparing cost calculations, budgets and estimates for construction projects. You will analyse drawings, specifications, technical descriptions and project information to arrive at an accurate and realistic estimate.

You don’t just look at the figures, but also at the feasibility of the project. What materials are required? What work needs to be carried out? Which subcontractors or suppliers are involved? Where are the risks, opportunities or alternatives? You ensure that a sound financial basis is in place before a project goes ahead.

Depending on the client, you will work on projects involving new-build, refurbishment, renovation, maintenance, sustainability improvements, residential construction or non-residential construction. Sometimes you’ll be involved early on in the process, helping to draw up an initial cost estimate. Sometimes you’ll draw up a full budget based on drawings and specifications. And sometimes you’ll contribute ideas on alternative options that make a project smarter, more efficient or easier to implement.

You will regularly liaise with work planners, scheduling officers, project managers, site supervisors, suppliers and subcontractors. You will gather the relevant information, request quotes, compare tenders and ensure that the cost estimate is in line with the project’s technical specifications.

Depending on your experience and the client, your duties may include, amongst other things:

• Preparing cost estimates, budgets and cost price calculations.
• Calculating quantities from drawings, specifications and technical documents.
• Reviewing construction drawings, specifications and project information.
• Requesting, comparing and evaluating quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Calculating the costs of materials, labour, plant, subcontracting and site costs.
• Contributing ideas on construction methods, alternatives and practical solutions.
• Identifying opportunities, risks and deviations during the costing process.
• Providing support with tenders, requests for quotations and tender estimates.
• Coordination with work planning, project management, implementation and plan preparation.
• Check that the quotation is in line with the schedule, quality, execution and customer demand.
• Processing changes, provisional items, additional and reduced works, or supplementary requests.
• Working with cost estimation software, Excel or other construction-related programmes.

So you’re not just doing the maths, but above all trying to understand what needs to be built. You ensure that a project is soundly underpinned financially and that no important issues are overlooked.

You are someone who works meticulously, has a good understanding of construction and enjoys getting to grips with the figures behind a project. You find it interesting to analyse drawings and technical documents, and you know that a good cost estimate involves more than just filling in prices.

You don’t necessarily need to be coming from exactly the same role. Perhaps you have experience as a work planner, draughtsman, schedule planner, project coordinator or assistant quantity surveyor and would like to progress into quantity surveying. Perhaps you’ve been working as a quantity surveyor for years and are now ready for different projects, a new working environment or more responsibility.

What’s important is that you understand the construction process. You know what’s on paper, but also what this means in practice. You can take a critical look at quantities, details, choice of materials and construction methods. You work meticulously, ask the right questions and enjoy contributing ideas for smart solutions.

For example, you might recognise yourself in the following:

• You have a background in construction at MBO+ or HBO level.
• You have experience in the construction industry, for example in cost estimation, work planning, draughting or drawing up plans.
• You are able to read and assess building plans, specifications and technical descriptions effectively.
• You work with precision and have a good head for figures, costs and proportions.
• You contribute practical input on feasibility, choice of materials and construction methods.
• You can assess quotes and know when to ask for further details.
• You interact easily with colleagues, suppliers, subcontractors and clients.
• You are proficient in using Excel, cost estimation software or other construction systems.
• You’ll be able to keep track of everything, even when there are several applications or projects running at the same time.
• You feel at home in the construction industry and speak the language of the trade.

Whether your main strengths lie in cost calculation, working out quantities, contributing technical input or evaluating quotations: we’ll work with you to identify where your strengths lie and which client is the best fit for you.

As a Construction Estimator, Valento Jobs gives you access to a range of opportunities within the Limburg construction sector. As we work with a wide variety of clients, we’re well placed to identify which role and working environment suits you best.

Perhaps you’d feel most at home with a regional contractor where you’re closely involved in projects from the tender stage right through to completion. Or perhaps you’re looking for the complexity of larger construction projects, renovation works or tendering processes where technical aspects and costs are closely intertwined. Together, we’ll discuss what matters most to you and which opportunities align with your priorities.

What to expect:

• A role as a Construction Estimator with a suitable client in Limburg.
• Opportunities at small, medium-sized and larger construction firms.
• Projects in residential construction, non-residential construction, renovation, maintenance, refurbishment or sustainability improvements.
• A competitive salary commensurate with your experience and responsibilities; €3,300 – €6,000
• Clear agreements on terms and conditions of employment.
• Personalised support from Valento Jobs.
• A dedicated point of contact who works with you to find solutions.
• Opportunities for a long-term partnership.
• Opportunities for personal development within the construction industry.
• Honest advice on which option suits you best.

Are you still in employment? If so, we understand that you’ll want to approach a potential move with care. You’re therefore always welcome to discuss your options with us, without any obligation and in complete confidence. We’ll look at your situation together, without you being tied into anything straight away.