Senior Estimator
Southampton/Hybrid
£50,000 - £80,000
About the Company
Join a leading design and build specialist known for delivering creative, high-quality commercial interiors. This business has built a reputation for excellence, passion, and innovation — transforming workspaces into inspiring environments. Their culture is built on collaboration, integrity, and continuous improvement, where every individual is encouraged to share ideas, challenge convention, and contribute to shared success.
About the Role
As a Senior Estimator, you’ll play a pivotal role in the pre-contract process — overseeing the financial integrity of tenders and ensuring projects are both competitive and commercially sound.
You’ll take ownership of preparing accurate cost estimates, reviewing tender documents, negotiating contractual terms, and working closely with clients, designers, and subcontractors.
This is a senior, hands-on role that also involves mentoring and guiding a small estimating team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and commercial excellence across all submissions. You’ll be a key commercial voice in project development, supporting the Head of Pre-Construction and driving improvements across estimating processes.
Key responsibilities include:
*
Managing and mentoring other estimators, promoting best practice and quality output
*
Reviewing and analysing client tenders and employer requirements
*
Preparing detailed cost plans, value engineering options and financial reports
*
Liaising with subcontractors for competitive pricing and accuracy of submissions
*
Supporting negotiations on commercial and contractual terms
*
Developing and maintaining strong client relationships
*
Leading process improvements and supporting recruitment and team development
Rewards and Benefits
You’ll be joining a people-focused business that genuinely looks after its team. Their benefits package is one of the most comprehensive in the industry, designed to reward loyalty, wellbeing and personal growth.
From day one:
25 days annual leave (plus Christmas shutdown)
Early finish Fridays in August
Birthday day off (plus a gift!)
Profit share bonus scheme
Flexible working culture
Free on-site parking, food & drink in office, and showers
Regular company events and celebration gifts for key life milestones
Death in service benefit (1x salary)
Up to 3 wellbeing days per year
After probation:
5 days full-pay sick leave
Individual training budget for career development
Up to 5 days compassionate leave on full pay
Cycle-to-work scheme
Time off for your child’s first day of school
Up to 2 days’ emergency pet leave
Longer-term rewards:
Ability to buy up to 5 additional annual leave days per year
Enhanced family leave (3 months full-pay maternity, 2 weeks full-pay paternity)
Private medical cover (for senior roles after probation)
Increased pension contributions (up to 6% after 10 years)
Gift vouchers and additional annual leave milestones
One-month paid sabbatical after 10 years
Requirements
Minimum 4 years’ experience as an estimator within design & build fit-out
Strong commercial acumen and a proven record of delivering profitable projects
Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Ability to mentor and lead others within a fast-paced environment
Proficient in MS Excel, Word and Outlook
Working knowledge of JCT contracts and current building regulations
Understanding of mechanical and electrical disciplines
Full (preferably clean) driving licence essential
HNC/HND or degree in a construction-related field (desirable)