Job Title: Senior Estimator
Location: NW Kent
Salary: Competitive c£50-65k + benefits (depending on experience)
Contract Type: Permanent, Full-time
About the Company
Our client is a leading main contractor specialising in social housing refurbishment, planned maintenance, and regeneration projects. With a strong presence across the southern region, they deliver high-quality, cost-effective solutions for local authorities, housing associations, and framework partners.
Role Overview
The Senior Estimator will play a key role within the team, preparing accurate and competitive tenders for social housing refurbishment and maintenance projects. Working from the office, you will manage all estimating activities across the Southern region, ensuring bids are compliant, commercially viable, and aligned with client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the preparation and submission of detailed cost estimates for social housing refurbishment, planned maintenance, and decarbonisation projects.
* Analyse tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to assess project requirements and risks.
* Produce accurate bills of quantities, cost plans, and value engineering options.
* Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive quotations.
* Attend site visits and pre-tender meetings to assess scope and site conditions.
* Work collaboratively with the pre-construction, design, and operational teams to develop winning strategies.
* Review tender submissions to ensure accuracy, compliance, and alignment with company policies.
* Contribute to post-tender negotiations and handover to delivery teams.
* Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market rates, procurement trends, and supply chain capacity in the southern region.
* Mentor and support junior estimators within the team.
Key Requirements
* Minimum 5–7 years’ estimating experience within the construction industry, ideally focused on social housing refurbishment, planned maintenance, or fit-out projects.
* Proven ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously and work to tight deadlines.
* Excellent technical and commercial understanding of building refurbishment processes, materials, and trades.
* Strong numerical, analytical, and negotiation skills.
* Proficient in estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Conquest, Excel-based systems).
* Familiarity with schedule of rates (SORs) and framework tendering for public sector clients.
* Good communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage effectively with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
* Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel across the southern region when required.
Desirable
* Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
* Experience in Decent Homes, Planned Works, External Wall Insulation, or Net Zero retrofit programmes.
* Membership of RICS, CIOB, or similar professional body (or working towards).
What’s on Offer
* Competitive salary and car allowance
* Company pension and healthcare benefits
* Hybrid working (Swanley office / site / home)
* Career progression within a growing regional business
* Supportive, collaborative working environment