About the 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.
Key Responsibilities
Purpose
1. Lead the preparation of robust, compliant and competitive estimates aligned to company commercial strategy
2. Ensure pricing, methodology, risk and assumptions are clearly articulated and aligned with operational delivery
3. Provide analytical insight, industry knowledge and commercial judgement to support tender adjudications
4. Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, knowledge bases and governance frameworks
Estimating & Commercial Proposal Development
5. 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
6. Build cost models from first principles with accuracy and commercial integrity
7. Support value engineering, scenario modelling and pricing strategy development
8. Analyse tender documentation, specifications and operational data to ensure deliverable proposals
9. Provide clear written and verbal summaries of assumptions, pricing logic and risks
Tender Governance & Risk Management
10. Ensure all estimating outputs meet internal governance standards for completeness and compliance
11. Support tender clarifications, RFIs and responses to client queries
12. Assist with commercial review of contracts and legal documents alongside Legal and Operations
13. Identify and document key financial and delivery risks for adjudication
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
14. Work collaboratively with Business Development and Operations to ensure bids reflect operational capability
15. Engage with supply chain partners to secure competitive quotations and maintain market intelligence
16. Present estimating outputs and recommendations to senior stakeholders when required
Mobilisation & Continuous Improvement
17. Support mobilisation teams post‑award, ensuring clarity of estimating assumptions
18. Participate in post‑contract reviews and outturn cost analysis to improve future pricing
19. Contribute to enhancements in systems, templates, cost databases and knowledge repositories
Team Support & Development
20. Act as a senior technical resource, providing mentoring to junior estimators
21. Promote accuracy, commercial discipline and collaborative working
22. Deputise for the Head of Estimating when required
Essential Experience:
23. Significant experience in social housing, R&M, planned works or related construction estimating
24. Strong working knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates
25. Proven experience producing cost models and pricing strategies for medium–large tenders
26. Experience engaging with clients, supply chain and internal stakeholders
27. Ability to manage multiple bids to tight deadlines
28. Good understanding of NEC and JCT contract forms
29. Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness
Desirable Experience:
30. Experience in a large contracting or housing services environment
31. Familiarity with estimating software and data analytics tools
32. Professional qualification in QS, Construction Management or similar (or working towards)
Key Skills & Attributes
33. Strong numerical ability and exceptional attention to detail
34. Clear, confident communicator able to explain commercial reasoning to all audiences
35. Proactive problem‑solver with a continuous improvement mindset
36. Ability to interpret complex specifications and technical documentation
37. Highly organised, deadline‑driven and able to prioritise effectively
38. Collaborative team player with mentoring capability
39. Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge assumptions constructively
Benefits:
40. Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and much more
41. 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
42. 3 x Life assurance
43. private medical care for you and your family
44. £4,800 car allowance
45. Generous Pension Scheme and sick pay
46. Employee Assistance Programme
47. Mears Rewards – discount voucher scheme for a host of household name retailers, including supermarkets, offering savings on purchases
48. Excellent training and development opportunities
49. Mears 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
50. Volunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake volunteering in the community for two days per year, in support of our social value commitment
All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.