The Regional Estimator is responsible for land viability and appraisal activities up to land purchase, before handover to the Quantity Surveying and Buying teams. Reporting at regional level, the role works closely with Technical, Land and Commercial teams to provide accurate estimates to support Land and Planning decisions, secure new land and business opportunities, and maximise the cost effectiveness of developments.
Main responsibilities
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Evaluate and accurately estimate the costs associated with land acquisition, including purchase price, legal fees, site preparation, environmental considerations, land topography, site conditions, and other related expenses, in order to assess feasibility, identify complexities, advise on risk levels, and support regional land strategies in collaboration with the central pre-development team.
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Prepare accurate viability estimates for all construction costs, including a full cost breakdown.
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Keep up to date with local regulations to ensure accurate pricing and cost estimation, while analysing comparable land sales and development projects to assess market conditions and land values.
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Visit proposed sites to identify constraints and other factors that may affect pricing strategy.
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Collaborate with regional Technical teams and central pre-development, land and technical teams to explore and present innovative construction methods, reduce cost, and value engineer design solutions.
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Produce detailed financial appraisals for new land bids and carry out cost and risk analysis for new sites.
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Coordinate with the finance team to ensure land cost estimates align with wider project budgets and financial forecasts.
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Prepare detailed cost estimation reports for senior commercial leadership, including all costs associated with land acquisition and development, presenting findings, insights, and recommendations to support decision-making.
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Support Commercial and Land Directors in the preparation of internal approval submissions, including drafting regional land reports.
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Maintain a database of standard cost allowances to ensure assumptions remain current, and keep accurate records of land-related estimates and cost projections for future reference, audits, and project evaluations.
Required skills and qualifications
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Relevant qualification or substantial experience in land viability/appraisals, cost estimating, commercial, or groundworks within the residential housebuilding industry.
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Experience using computerised estimating or measurement systems such as Bluebeam or equivalent.
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Knowledge of COINS is beneficial but not essential.
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Strong experience of challenging ground conditions and technical solutions, including remediation, foundations, retaining structures, and drainage.
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Broad legal knowledge and strong financial/commercial awareness.
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Detailed understanding of construction techniques and building regulations.
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Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, particularly when interpreting data from surveys, contours, and plans.
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Excellent communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams, contractors, and external suppliers.
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Strong stakeholder management skills, with the resilience and maturity to balance multiple priorities in a fast-paced and demanding environment.
Benefits
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26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays
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Choice of company car or car allowance
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Discretionary bonus scheme
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Holiday buy-back scheme
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Pension scheme
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Private medical insurance
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Health cash plan membership
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Life assurance
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Share purchase plan
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High street and retail discounts