Senior Estimator / Head of Estimating (Designate) Super-Prime Main Contractor | Central London
The Business Our client is a highly respected super-prime main contractor delivering some of the finest private residential and mixed-use projects in prime central London and the Home Counties. The business is owner-led, quality-driven, and known for discretion, technical excellence, and long-standing client and supply-chain relationships.
As part of the companys continued growth, they are now creating a new in-house estimating function and are seeking an exceptional Senior Estimator to lead this from inception.
The Role This is a newly created, senior appointment with direct access to the business owners. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the timely, accurate, and commercially robust production of tenders, while laying the foundations for a future estimating / pre-construction department .
The role is both hands-on and strategic, working closely with the owners, design teams, and commercial team to shape bid strategy, pricing methodology, and risk management.
Key Responsibilities Estimating & Tender Leadership
Take full ownership of all tender submissions from first principles
Produce accurate, detailed cost plans and estimates for super-prime projects
Manage tender programmes, ensuring deadlines are consistently met
Prepare clear, well-structured tender documentation and presentations
Review design information and identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering options
Pre-Construction & Collaboration
Work closely with the owners to develop bid strategy and pricing approach
Liaise with architects, consultants, and design teams during pre-construction
Collaborate with the commercial team to ensure alignment on procurement and cost control
Support early project decision-making with robust cost and feasibility input
Supply Chain & Procurement
Engage with a high-quality, established supply chain to obtain competitive and reliable pricing
Assess subcontractor returns for accuracy, scope coverage, and risk
Contribute to procurement strategy and package structuring
Department Development
Establish estimating systems, templates, and best-practice procedures
Help define the future structure of the estimating / pre-construction function
Support the long-term development of the department, including potential future hires
Candidate Profile Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within super-prime or high-end construction
Strong background in first-principles estimating and complex tendering
Experience working closely with owners, directors, or founders
Commercially astute with excellent attention to detail
Confident communicator able to engage with designers, consultants, and senior stakeholders
Ambitious, self-motivated, and comfortable building a function from the ground up
Why This Role Is Different New department creation a rare opportunity at this level
Direct reporting line to the business owners
Genuine influence over how the business tenders and prices work
Clear long-term progression into Head of Estimating / Pre-Construction Director
Highly respected contractor with exceptional projects and reputation
Package Highly competitive salary (commensurate with experience)
Performance-related bonus
Pension and benefits
Long-term career progression and leadership opportunity
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