Who Are We:

Cardo Group is a trusted provider of building maintenance, refurbishment, and retrofit services for social housing and public sector buildings across the UK. With nationwide coverage and skilled local teams, we deliver a reliable end-to-end service that ensures homes and public spaces are safe, sustainable, and well-maintained.

We specialise in responsive repairs and voids, planned maintenance, energy-efficiency upgrades, compliance works, and major improvement programmes. Our approach combines quality workmanship, strong resident communication, and efficient project delivery to achieve the best outcomes for customers and communities.

Driven by ambitious growth plans, we continue to expand our capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our reputation is built on consistent service delivery, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As we grow, so do the opportunities – for our people, our clients, and the communities we support.

Cardo Group is becoming one of the UK’s most forward-thinking maintenance and retrofit providers. Do you want to be part of something great?

Role Overview:

We are seeking a detail-oriented and commercially aware Estimator to join our team. The successful candidate will be responsible for preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for planned maintenance, refurbishment, retrofit, repairs, and regeneration projects within the social housing sector. Working closely with operations, commercial, and procurement teams, the Estimator will assess project requirements, analyze costs, and develop competitive pricing strategies that support successful bid outcomes while ensuring profitability and compliance with client requirements.

Responsibilities:

• Consistent provision of timely and accurate estimates, pre-acquisition studies, etc.
• Ensuring accurate and timely subcontract enquiries are used in the formulation of bids, ensuring thorough recognition of exclusions/conditions within enquiries and resolve all issues prior to adjudication.
• Maintaining an updated cost base by regular review of market prices with post contract teams.
• Maintaining and updating the subcontract and material database information
• Pursuit of subcontract enquiries in the formulation of a bid and provision of accurate comparisons for discussion in the adjudication meeting.
• Reporting on assumptions made within the estimate.
• Provision of resource analyses, etc. on successful award of scheme.
• In close liaison with the teams, ensuring only accurate and current information is used in the compilation of bids.
• Conduct detailed take-offs from drawings, schedules of works, and site surveys.
• Attend site visits and pre-start meetings to understand scope and constraints
• Work closely with operational and commercial teams to align estimates with delivery programmes, resources, and risk mitigation strategies.
• Support the preparation of bid documents and pricing schedules for tenders, mini-competitions, and direct awards.
• Maintain estimating records, cost databases, and feedback logs to inform continuous improvement.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, programme efficiencies, and added value.
• Assist with post-tender clarifications and project handovers to ensure smooth mobilisation.
• Interpret ITT documents to identify risks, opportunities, and submission requirements.
• Lead the preparation and submission of tenders, ensuring compliance with internal processes.
• Present commercial proposals at key tender meetings and engage with senior stakeholders across the business.
• Collaborate with Operational and Commercial leads to develop innovative delivery solutions.
• Determine the most cost-effective proposals using labour analysis, subcontractor quotations, and delivery models.
• Populate client pricing documents accurately and on time.

You Will Need:

• Minimum of 3 years previous experience as an Estimator in General Building, Refurbishment, Painting & decorating Contracts, Industrial/Warehouse Refurbishment
• HNC or degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction, or related field.
• Strong analytical and commercial acumen, with the ability to balance accuracy with deadlines.
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
• Ability to manage multiple bids concurrently and prioritise workload effectively.
• Knowledge of the JCT and NEC suite of Contracts
• Ability to ‘take Off’ from design drawings, interpret specifications and prepare Bills of Quantities

We Will Provide:

• Excellent development and progression opportunities
• Competitive salary offered – Will be negotiable depending on experience
• 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
• Range of Salary Sacrifice Schemes [holiday purchase, EV schemes, AVC Pension contributions]
• Life Assurance cover
• Wellbeing Resources and Counselling services
• Retail & Lifestyle Discount Platform
• Enhanced Family Leave Provisions
• Recognition initiatives and awards
• Occupational Sick Pay

Why Join Cardo Group?

We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with.

Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion is rooted in our core values:

• Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and achieve more together.
• Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in everything we do.
• Excellence – We set high standards and deliver quality for our people and our customers.
• Respect – We value every individual and create a space where all voices are heard.

We ensure fair opportunities, embrace diverse backgrounds and experiences, and foster a culture where everyone truly belongs. Join us on our ambitious, exciting, and inclusive journey.