New role for former apprentice Eleanor

ES Lead Estimator Blog 1b

Eleanor has worked within the estimating department since joining Aptus as a business administration apprentice in 2014. She initially supported the tendering process before advancing to a role as Estimator, which was followed by further promotions to Lead Estimator in March 2019 and Pre-Contract Delivery Manager in 2022.

Aptus has recognised the valuable contribution Eleanor makes to the business throughout her career, and has actively supported her progression. This included approving a move to the commercial team in 2023, where Eleanor was keen to advance her skills and knowledge as a Quantity Surveyor.

In the new role, Eleanor gained a different perspective of the business activities which are required to ensure the company remains profitable. Her new responsibilities included managing and attending to clients’ requirements and assisting with any contract changes, whilst ensuring works remained on schedule and in budget by managing an end of life forecast for each scheme. She says she feels her experience as an estimator gave her a good foundation to make the transition as she had already established strong relationships with many of her clients.

Over the last year Eleanor has worked closely with the Yorkshire team getting to know colleagues and construction clients and learning more about the regional variations in contract delivery.

New role leads to more responsibility

Approaching her 10-year anniversary with Aptus, Eleanor was eager to yet further demonstrate her capability and satisfy her appetite for additional responsibility. Her ambition and ability were recognised by Aptus, and they made a strategic decision to promote Eleanor to Lead Estimator for a target growth region. In her new role Eleanor has taken the lead on supporting clients in Yorkshire and the North East with a specific focus on developing business in South Yorkshire.

Her close collaboration with the Yorkshire team, along with her prior experience and knowledge of the business made Eleanor the ideal candidate for this role and she will be instrumental in introducing our award-winning services to new developers and further cementing Aptus’ reputation in the region.

She will be looking to build on our existing impressive portfolio, which includes more than 55 contracts entrusted to Aptus by Clancy (Docwra) following their exit from the multi-utility marketplace. Following the novation of contracts, Aptus have successfully completed schemes across the region for developers including Persimmon Homes, Bellway Homes and Taylor Wimpey.

Eleanor is excited about the new challenge

“As lead estimator, I enjoy the client interaction and the hands-on nature of the role. You get to see your vision unfold and are able to actively influence and shape what happens.

“You can see a project through from start to finish and take satisfaction in how you played a part! The company has ambitious plans for growth and the business development activities are key to this, so it’s exciting to be a part of.”

 

Eleanor & Tasha at SfBA2017

Eleanor with People Director Natasha Clarke at The Greater Manchester Skills for Business Awards in 2017

Eleanor’s advice for those starting out in the industry

“The industry is always changing and growing, especially with the impact of net zero and the role of EV and technological advancements – it is always evolving. I find it rewarding to grow your knowledge to keep up with new developments. You never know what’s going to happen next, there is always a demand for news skills and to learn. You can apply what you learn in different ways too.

“You will always have a job in this industry, if you’re willing to keep up with the changes and at Aptus you will find all the support you need to do this. They are focused on upskilling people so we can provide the best service to our customers, as well as to encourage personal development – they always look to support people and give them the opportunities to adapt to changes along the way.”