Role: Senior Estimating Manager
Location: Home basedor Hybrid with access to regional offices
Salary: Up to £95,000, plus package& Car Allowance
About the Senior Estimating Manager Role
The Senior Estimator is a key role within the commercial estimating and tendering function, responsible for producing high-quality, competitive and compliant bids across all business streams. You will develop robust cost models, assess risk, collaborate with operational and commercial stakeholders, and ensure all estimating outputs meet the standards set by the Head of Estimating.
This role works closely with Business Development, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to support sustainable growth and protect margin. You will report directly to the Head of Estimating.
Senior Estimating Manager Key Responsibilities
Purpose
Lead the preparation of robust, compliant and competitive estimates aligned to company commercial strategy
Ensure pricing, methodology, risk and assumptions are clearly articulated and aligned with operational delivery
Provide analytical insight, industry knowledge and commercial judgement to support tender adjudications
Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, knowledge bases and governance frameworks
Estimating & Commercial Proposal Development
Prepare detailed estimates and commercial submissions for tenders across Repairs & Maintenance (including M&E and Planned Works), Central Government housing and support, Decarbonisation and Net Zero programmes, and DLO support
Build cost models from first principles with accuracy and commercial integrity
Support value engineering, scenario modelling and pricing strategy development
Analyse tender documentation, specifications and operational data to ensure deliverable proposals
Provide clear written and verbal summaries of assumptions, pricing logic and risks
Essential Experience:
Significant experience in social housing, R&M, planned works or related construction estimating
Strong working knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates
Proven experience producing cost models and pricing strategies for medium-large tenders
Experience engaging with clients, supply chain and internal stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple bids to tight deadlines
Good understanding of NEC and JCT contract forms
Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness
Desirable Experience:
Experience in a large contracting or housing services environment
Familiarity with estimating software and data analytics tools
Professional qualification in QS, Construction Management or similar (or working towards)
Key Skills & Attributes
Strong numerical ability and exceptional attention to detail
Clear, confident communicator able to explain commercial reasoning to all audiences
Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
Ability to interpret complex specifications and technical documentation
Highly organised, deadline-driven and able to prioritise effectively
Collaborative team player with mentoring capability
Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge assumptions constructively
Benefits:
Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and much more
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
3 x Life assurance
private medical care for you and your family
£4,800 car allowance
Generous Pension Scheme and sick pay
Employee Assistance Programme
Company Rewards - discount voucher scheme for a host of household name retailers, including supermarkets, offering savings on purchases
Excellent training and development opportunities
Company Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work! Previous years include, Alton Towers, Drayton Manor etc
Volunteering Leave - The company supports employees to undertake volunteering in the community for two days per year, in support of our social value commitment
Applications
If you feel that you have the relevant experience to be successful in this position and would like to find out more please apply online today attaching a copy of your current CV. Alternatively contact us on 01474 850707.
Howells are an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. Howells acts as an Employment Business for the supply of temporary workers and an Employment Agency in relation to permanent vacancies.
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