Senior Estimator – Cambridge
£65,000–£75,000 + Package
Refurbishment Projects | £500k–£2.5m | Labs, Research Centres & Science Parks
The Opportunity
A family-run contractor with deep, long-standing relationships across Cambridge’s research, pharma and university ecosystem is looking to appoint a Senior Estimator to lead end-to-end tendering on refurbishment projects ranging from £500k to £2.5m. With a strong order book already secured for the next 6–12 months, and a pipeline heavily driven by repeat clients, this is a role with genuine stability and long-term growth.
You’ll join a close-knit Pre-Construction team, reporting directly to the Divisional Director with a clear progression pathway into a Pre-Construction Manager role once you’ve proven capability. The business is entering a period of healthy expansion and wants someone who can shape the next stage of its pre-con journey.
The Role
You will take ownership of the estimating process across a portfolio of predominantly refurbishment projects, particularly in live and technical environments such as:
* Research centres
* Pharmaceutical labs
* University estates
* Science parks and specialist facilities
Your focus will be producing accurate, commercially robust tenders and proposals - fully managing each bid from initial enquiry through to handover. You’ll liaise closely with design, commercial and operational teams to ensure pricing is aligned, risks are understood, and project delivery teams are set up to succeed.
You will be trusted to use the software and tools you’re most comfortable with, whether that’s existing in-house systems or your own established estimating workflow.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead tenders from first principles through submission
* Produce detailed cost plans, BOQs and proposals
* Engage with supply chain, build competitive packages and secure best value
* Attend client meetings, site visits and clarifications
* Work with delivery teams to ensure smooth post-award transition
* Drive consistency, process and quality in all pre-con outputs
* Support continuous improvement across the department
* Step into added leadership responsibility as capability is demonstrated
About You
* Senior Estimator or strong Estimator ready for a step up
* Experience with refurbishment projects (labs or technical environments beneficial)
* Confident producing full end-to-end tenders
* Strong commercial judgement and cost-planning capability
* Able to communicate clearly with clients, consultants and internal teams
* Comfortable working autonomously within a supportive team
* Motivated by progression into a Pre-Construction Manager position
Benefits & Package
* 65,000–£75,000
* Car allowance
* Discretionary bonus
* Pension
Apply
If you’re a Senior Estimator looking for long-term stability, progression and technical variety across Cambridge’s research and science-led built environment, we would like to hear from you