Senior Estimator

The Opportunity\n\nAs Senior Estimator, you will lead the preparation and submission of high-quality, competitive tenders across a range of procurement routes.\n\nWorking closely with preconstruction and operational teams, you will play a key role in securing profitable and sustainable future workload for the business. You will apply advanced construction knowledge, commercial expertise, and leadership capability to manage risk, drive value, and ensure robust and accurate pricing throughout the tender lifecycle.\n\nWhat you will be doing\n\nLead the appraisal of tender documentation, identifying key risks, opportunities, and commercial drivers.\nDevelop and agree bid strategies in collaboration with senior management and the wider bid team.\nOversee the preparation and issue of material and subcontract enquiries, including supply chain engagement and selection.\nReview site conditions and undertake site visits to identify constraints and risk factors.\nContribute to and influence design development, attending and leading design team meetings where required.\nPrepare and/or manage the production of Bills of Quantities and detailed analytical cost estimates, including preliminaries.\nDevelop comprehensive budgets and cost plans aligned with client and business objectives.\nAnalyse and adjudicate subcontractor quotations to ensure technical compliance, competitiveness, and best value.\nLead the management of technical queries to ensure design information is sufficiently developed for accurate pricing.\nProactively manage risk throughout the tender period, including ownership of the tender Risk Register.\nDrive value engineering initiatives during the design phase, particularly on Design & Build projects.\nPresent tender submissions at settlement meetings, clearly articulating commercial positions, key risks, and opportunities.\nEnsure timely and compliant completion and submission of all tender documentation.\nProvide leadership and support to junior estimators and contribute to their development.\nEnsure a structured and effective handover to the delivery team upon project award.\nSupport Business Continuity Planning, ensuring both personal and team awareness of responsibilities.What we will need from you\n\nHND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in a construction-related discipline.\nSignificant experience in analytical estimating across multiple sectors including industrial, commercial, education, and healthcare, on projects typically up to and exceeding £20m.\nStrong working knowledge of various procurement routes including traditional, partnering, Design & Build (including two-stage tenders), and frameworks.\nProven ability to lead complex tender processes and influence bid strategy.\nProficiency in Conquest estimating software and strong capability in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel).\nWell-developed technical construction knowledge and understanding of Building Regulations and industry standards.\nExperience in cost planning, budget preparation, and value engineering.\nAwareness and practical understanding of BIM, including the ability to interrogate 3D design models.\nStrong commercial awareness and risk management capability.\nExcellent numerical and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.\nAbility to work independently while also leading and collaborating effectively within a team environment.\nStrong communication and presentation skills, with confidence in presenting to senior management.\nAbility to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and prioritise effectively.\nProfessional, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.\nCommitment to continuous professional development and the mentoring and development of others.What we can offer you\n\nCompetitive salary\nCar Allowance\n26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)\n3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years\nPrivate medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)\nLife Assurance\nDefined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%\nEnhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave\n2 days volunteering opportunities\nFlexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)\nEmployee Assistance Programme \nProfessional membership fees\nPerks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more\nFlexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:\nCritical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)\nDental Insurance\nTravel insurance\nCycle to work scheme\nRetail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions