Senior Estimator

Gilbert & Goode is a leading South West housebuilder, renowned for delivering high-quality homes and creating thriving, sustainable communities across Cornwall and Devon. Founded in 1972, we have over 50 years’ experience in building inspiring places to live and providing outstanding customer experiences — recognised by our 2026 In-house Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction.

As part of Ocean Housing since 2005, we reinvest our success to help deliver affordable housing and strengthen the communities we serve. Our work is driven by thoughtful design, sustainability, and close collaboration with local partners to create places that genuinely make a difference.

The Role

We are seeking a talented Senior Estimator to provide an accurate, efficient and commercially focused estimating service across our development and contracting pipelines. Reporting to the Commercial Operations Director, you’ll play a critical role in ensuring our schemes remain competitive, viable and profitable.

You’ll work collaboratively across Land, Technical, Sales and Build teams, influencing decisions from initial land appraisals through to detailed tenders and delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the estimating function, ensuring all viability appraisals are accurate and up to date


• Produce cost plans from initial land opportunities through to board-approved budgets


• Prepare competitive tenders and develop tender strategies


• Identify, analyse and manage risks and opportunities within projects


• Seek and negotiate competitive quotations from the supply chain


• Work closely with Technical teams to achieve cost-effective design solutions


• Produce clear reports, cost workbooks and tender documentation


• Chair and contribute to tender meetings and decision-making processes


• Maintain and develop the company’s live build cost data library


• Monitor industry trends and provide cost intelligence to the business

About You

Essential qualifications and experience:

Essential Skills & Experience

• Significant experience as an estimator within the housebuilding or construction sector


• Strong knowledge of general contracting and cost planning 


• Proven ability to deliver profitable outcomes and manage financial performance 


• Experience using estimating software and Microsoft Office packages 


• Excellent organisational, time management and analytical skills 


• Strong communication, negotiation and stakeholder engagement skills 


• Ability to manage risk and present clear recommendations to senior stakeholders 

Qualifications

• HNC (or Level 5 equivalent) in Building Construction or equivalent

Desirable

• Degree (Level 6) in Construction or related discipline


• CIOB membership


• Experience in affordable housing, new build or contracting


• Knowledge of local supply chains and Esti-mate software

Why Join Gilbert & Goode?

Bring your skills to a company with a strong regional reputation and a values‑led purpose.

We build more than homes — we create places where life unfolds.

At Gilbert & Goode, we are committed to “building inspiring homes and creating lasting memories”, placing customers at the heart of everything we do.

Award‑winning customer satisfaction.

We proudly hold the In‑house 2026 Platinum Award for Customer Satisfaction, reflecting the trust our customers place in us and the exceptional buying experience we deliver.

A leading regional housebuilder with purpose.

Since 1972, Gilbert & Goode has grown into one of the South West’s most respected new homes developers, creating inspiring neighbourhoods across Cornwall and Devon.

Your work has real social value.

As part of Ocean Housing Group, our profits are gift‑aided back to support the delivery of affordable housing. This means your contribution directly helps provide homes for local people and strengthens the communities we serve.

Community‑first approach.

We believe the most successful developments are shaped by the people who live in them. Community voices influence our designs, ensuring our homes and neighbourhoods genuinely meet local needs.

Alongside this sense of purpose, you’ll join a supportive, collaborative, and forward‑thinking team, based at our St Austell headquarters with strong local roots and a deep commitment to the region.

Our Benefits

We offer a flexible and supportive working environment, plus an excellent benefits package:

27 days’ holiday plus bank holidays

10% car allowance

Professional membership fees paid

Company sick pay scheme

Workplace pension with death-in-service benefit

Home office work payment

Medicash health plan (including dental and optical cover)

Cycle to Work scheme

Rewards and recognition programme

On-site parking

Employee Assistance Programme

Family-friendly policies

Closing Date: Tuesday 26th of May 2026 at Midnight

Interviews to be held: Thursday 4th of June 2026 

If you’re passionate about shaping high‑quality homes and want to make a meaningful impact within a respected regional housebuilder, we’d love to hear from you. Click apply!

We may close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications—so apply soon!