Position: Senior Estimator Location: West Malling Employment type: Full-time, permanent Role Overview As Senior Estimator you will take a leading role in preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates, bids and tenders for new build, refurbishment, fit-out, industrial, commercial or mixed-use construction projects. You’ll be responsible for reviewing drawings and specifications, compiling material/labour/equipment cost breakdowns, assessing subcontractor quotes, labour preliminaries and overheads — ensuring competitive yet profitable bids. You’ll also collaborate with internal teams (project managers, site teams, designers) to align bids with company requirements and project objectives. Key Responsibilities • Analyse project drawings, specifications and client requirements to produce detailed cost estimates and tender documents. • Prepare bills of quantities, material take-offs, labour and plant cost breakdowns, preliminaries, subcontractor quotes, contingencies and mark-ups. • Lead and manage the full tender/estimation process from initial enquiry to final submission. • Liaise with subcontractors, suppliers, internal design and project teams to gather accurate cost data. • Evaluate project risks (e.g. structural complexity, ground conditions, scope changes) and include risk allowances appropriately in bids. • Maintain and update internal cost databases, benchmarking data and historical cost records. • Contribute to commercial strategy — advise on pricing strategies, cost control, value engineering and profitability. • Support post-tender feedback and bid review, help continuous improvement of estimation processes. Candidate Requirements / Person Specification Essential: • Significant experience as Estimator / Senior Estimator in construction (new build, refurbishment, industrial or commercial projects) — ideally with exposure to projects • Strong understanding of construction materials, labour rates, subcontractor costing, plant & preliminaries. • Competency in cost estimating and take-off software / spreadsheets (e.g. Excel, estimation/BQ software). • Desirable: • Experience in civil, industrial or infrastructure-type projects, or groundworks/structural elements. • Understanding of health & safety, contract preliminaries, risk allowances, value engineering. • Familiarity with subcontractor and supply-chain markets in Kent / South-East