Overview
Reporting to the Estimating Manager, you'll take the lead in delivering accurate, robust and competitive build costs across some of our high-value projects, typically ranging from £5m to £100m+. Working collaboratively with the wider preconstruction team and supply chain, you'll lead the estimating process from early feasibility and bid stages through to contract signing, ensuring our proposals balance affordability, value, risk and quality. This is a Senior Estimator role with responsibility for mentoring more junior level estimators, while also acting as a trusted commercial advisor to customers, consultants and internal stakeholders.
Responsibilities
- Identify value‑engineering opportunities and alternative design solutions, presenting clear options that enhance value and support customer budgets.
- Proactively identify commercial and technical risks, offering practical, workable solutions throughout preconstruction.
- Lead the development of procurement strategies, ensuring key trade packages are benchmarked and aligned with design milestones.
- Interrogate subcontractor quotations in detail.
- Produce complete and comprehensive cost information packages for commercial handover.
- Lead supply chain engagement, nurturing collaborative relationships and providing constructive feedback.
- Oversee the procurement schedule, prioritising key trades and aligning project milestones and design gateways.
- Work closely with Preconstruction Managers, Project Managers, Designers, Planners and Commercial teams.
- Act as a trusted advisor to customers and consultants, offering insight‑led, data‑driven guidance around cost, value and affordability.
- Attend project CRM meetings as required, ensuring accurate and timely cost information is shared.
Qualifications
- Solid experience operating at the Senior Estimator or Senior Cost Planner level within the commercial construction sector.
- Strong background in cost planning, estimating and commercial management across complex projects.
- Proven experience leading framework or two‑stage tenders (single‑stage experience also considered).
- Strong proficiency in estimating systems such as Conquest, CostX, Bluebeam and advanced Excel / MS Office Suite.
Desirable Criteria
- Experience within Education, Health, Defence or public‑sector frameworks (DfE / DIO highly beneficial but not essential).
- Knowledge of construction cost data, benchmarking and cost metrics.
- Professional accreditation or working towards MRICS / MCIOB.
