We're Hiring

M.A Humm Ltd | Quantity Surveying & Estimating

Position: Freelance Construction Estimator

Engagement Type: Freelance / Self-Employed / Subconsultant

Location: Remote / Hybrid – United Kingdom

About M.A Humm Ltd

M.A Humm Ltd is an independent quantity surveying and estimating consultancy providing specialist pre-contract and commercial services to main contractors, developers and construction industry clients throughout the United Kingdom.

We undertake estimating, tender preparation, cost planning, quantity measurement, procurement support and commercial management across a diverse portfolio of construction projects.

Our workload includes residential developments, extensions and refurbishments, commercial fit-outs, industrial buildings, educational facilities and specialist construction projects.

Due to increasing project enquiries and the continued development of our consultancy services, we are seeking an experienced Freelance Construction Estimator to support our tendering and pre-contract operations.

The Role

We are looking for an experienced, commercially astute and detail-oriented Freelance Estimator capable of independently preparing accurate and competitive construction estimates.

The successful candidate will work alongside the Managing Director and our wider network of construction professionals, supporting the preparation of tender submissions, bills of quantities, cost plans and detailed pricing schedules.

This is a flexible freelance opportunity suited to an established construction estimator with demonstrable experience working for UK main contractors or construction consultancies.

Assignments will be allocated according to project requirements, availability and relevant experience.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating and Tender Preparation

• Reviewing architectural, structural and M&E drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Preparing detailed construction estimates and elemental cost breakdowns.
• Undertaking quantity take-offs and measurement of construction works.
• Preparing and pricing bills of quantities and schedules of works.
• Building composite rates incorporating labour, materials, plant, subcontract costs and appropriate commercial allowances.
• Preparing preliminary cost allowances and assessing project-specific requirements.
• Identifying tender risks, exclusions, qualifications and provisional sums.
• Reviewing alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities.
• Preparing tender summaries and supporting commercial documentation.

Supply Chain Procurement

• Preparing and issuing subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Reviewing quotations for completeness, compliance and scope coverage.
• Identifying omissions, qualifications and discrepancies within subcontract quotations.
• Preparing subcontractor comparison schedules.
• Liaising with specialist contractors and suppliers to clarify technical and commercial matters.
• Advising on appropriate procurement strategies and potential cost savings.

Cost Planning and Commercial Analysis

• Preparing preliminary budgets and elemental cost plans.
• Analysing project costs against available drawings and specifications.
• Reviewing construction methodologies and their financial implications.
• Identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
• Assisting with tender adjudication and pricing reviews.
• Preparing clear and accurate cost reports for internal and client review.

Tender Coordination

• Working to agreed tender programmes and submission deadlines.
• Maintaining accurate measurement records and pricing assumptions.
• Highlighting discrepancies and missing information at an early stage.
• Preparing requests for information and tender clarification schedules.
• Liaising with the Managing Director regarding pricing strategy and commercial considerations.
• Ensuring tender submissions are comprehensive, properly qualified and professionally presented.

Essential Skills and Experience

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Substantial experience as a Construction Estimator, Senior Estimator or Quantity Surveyor with significant estimating responsibilities.
• A strong background in UK building construction and main contracting.
• Proven experience preparing detailed tenders from drawings, specifications and bills of quantities.
• Comprehensive knowledge of construction materials, labour productivity, plant requirements and subcontract procurement.
• The ability to build accurate composite rates from first principles.
• Excellent measurement and quantity take-off capabilities.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of construction risks.
• Experience assessing subcontractor quotations and preparing comparison schedules.
• Excellent numerical accuracy and attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently and meet demanding tender deadlines.
• Strong written communication skills and the ability to prepare professional tender qualifications.

Technical Knowledge

Candidates should have a sound working knowledge of:

• UK construction methods and building regulations.
• Traditional and design-and-build procurement arrangements.
• Residential and commercial building construction.
• Preliminaries, overheads, profit and risk allowances.
• Construction measurement principles, including NRM where applicable.
• JCT contractual arrangements and associated commercial considerations.
• Tender documentation, pricing schedules and subcontractor procurement.
• Microsoft Excel and electronic estimating systems.

Experience using Esti-mate or equivalent construction estimating software would be particularly advantageous.

Desirable Experience

• Previous freelance estimating experience supporting UK main contractors.
• Experience across residential refurbishment, new-build construction and commercial fit-out projects.
• Familiarity with structural alterations, groundworks, roofing, finishes and building services packages.
• Experience preparing bills of quantities and elemental cost plans.
• Knowledge of NEC contractual arrangements.
• Experience identifying value engineering opportunities and alternative specifications.
• A relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.

Relevant practical experience and demonstrable estimating competence will be considered alongside formal qualifications.

The Ideal Candidate

We are particularly interested in hearing from experienced estimators who take pride in producing accurate, commercially considered and well-presented tender submissions.

The successful candidate will be methodical, reliable and capable of taking ownership of individual estimating assignments.

We value individuals who understand that successful estimating involves more than simply applying rates to quantities. It requires a thorough appreciation of construction methodology, procurement, project risk and commercial strategy.

Candidates should be comfortable identifying omissions, challenging assumptions and providing practical recommendations throughout the tender process.

Freelance Working Arrangements

• Project-based assignments, subject to workload and availability.
• Remote working arrangements, with occasional meetings where required.
• Direct liaison with the Managing Director.
• Access to relevant tender documentation and project information.
• Opportunities to support a varied portfolio of construction projects.
• Potential for an ongoing freelance working relationship.

The successful candidate will be expected to maintain appropriate confidentiality and professional standards when handling client and project information.

How to Apply

Interested candidates should submit:

• A current CV detailing relevant estimating experience.
• A brief summary of previous construction projects and tender values.
• Details of estimating and measurement software proficiency.
• Confirmation of freelance availability and preferred working arrangements.

Email: info@mahummltd.co.uk

For the attention of: Emma Thompson