Job Title: Senior Estimator
Location: London
Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent
Salary: Competitive salary + car allowance
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading construction contractor for a Senior Estimator to join their preconstruction team in London. This role is responsible for leading competitive tender submissions and supporting the securement of profitable, sustainable future workload.
Role Overview
Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality tenders across multiple procurement routes. Working closely with preconstruction and operational teams, you will apply advanced construction knowledge, commercial expertise, and leadership capability to manage risk, drive value, and ensure accurate pricing throughout the tender lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead appraisal of tender documentation, identifying risks, opportunities, and commercial drivers
* Develop and agree bid strategies with senior management and bid teams
* Oversee subcontract/material enquiries and supply chain engagement
* Undertake site visits to assess constraints and risks
* Contribute to design development and attend/lead design meetings
* Prepare/manage Bills of Quantities and analytical cost estimates (incl. preliminaries)
* Develop budgets and cost plans aligned with client/business objectives
* Analyse subcontractor quotations for compliance, competitiveness, and value
* Manage technical queries to support accurate pricing
* Own and manage tender Risk Register
* Drive value engineering, particularly on Design & Build projects
* Present tender submissions at settlement meetings
* Ensure compliant and timely tender submissions
* Support handover to delivery teams post-award
* Mentor and support junior estimators
* Support Business Continuity Planning responsibilities
Requirements
* HND/Degree or equivalent in construction-related discipline
* Significant analytical estimating experience across industrial, commercial, education, healthcare
* Experience on projects typically up to and exceeding £20m
* Knowledge of traditional, partnering, D&B (incl. 2-stage), and framework procurement
* Experience with Conquest estimating software and strong Excel skills
* Strong technical construction knowledge (Building Regs & standards)
* Cost planning, budgeting, and value engineering experience
* BIM awareness and ability to interrogate 3D models
* Strong commercial and risk management capability
* Excellent numerical, analytical, and attention to detail skills
* Ability to work independently and lead within a team
* Strong communication and presentation skills
* Ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure
* Proactive, professional, and solutions-focused approach
* Commitment to CPD and mentoring others
Benefits
* Competitive salary + car allowance
* 26 days annual leave (+ buy/sell up to 3 days) + long service days (3, 7, 10 years)
* Private medical insurance (family cover option)
* Life assurance
* Pension matched up to 8%
* Enhanced family leave
* Flexible/agile working (role dependent)
* Employee Assistance Programme
* Professional membership fees paid
* Perks at Work discount scheme
* Flexible Benefits scheme (critical illness, dental, travel insurance, cycle to work, vouchers, leisure passes)