Chief Estimator

Building Careers UK; Preston; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction contractor in Preston is seeking a Chief Estimator to drive the estimating department. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in project estimating, strong leadership skills, and expertise in residential and refurbishment projects. This high-profile role involves overseeing tendering processes, developing strategies, and managing a team to ensure competitive and accurate bids. A competitive salary of £80,000-£100,000 plus a full benefits package is offered.

Benefits

Car/car allowance

Pension

25+ days annual leave

Additional company perks

Qualifications

• Extensive experience as a Senior/Chief Estimator in the UK construction sector.
• Strong background in residential, affordable housing, care homes, and refurbishment projects.
• Proven experience managing an estimating team and overseeing high-value tenders.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the estimating team, providing guidance and mentorship.
• Prepare accurate and competitive estimates for new build and refurbishment projects.
• Develop and implement estimating strategies to improve accuracy and competitiveness.

Skills

Leadership skills

Commercial awareness

Analytical skills

Negotiation ability

Stakeholder management

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related discipline

Job description

Chief Estimator

Preston - £80,000-£100,000 + Package

Your new company

A leading North West construction contractor, renowned for delivering high-quality residential, affordable housing, care home, student accommodation, education, and refurbishment projects. The business combines a strong track record with a collaborative culture, delivering both new build and refurbishment schemes. With ambitious growth plans, they are seeking a Chief Estimator to lead and shape their estimating function in Preston.

Your new role

Our client is seeking an experienced Chief Estimator to take full leadership of the estimating department, overseeing all tendering activity for projects spanning residential, affordable housing, care homes, student accommodation, education, and refurbishment. This is a high-profile position, reporting directly to the Commercial Director, with responsibility for strategic input, team leadership, and ensuring the company's bids are competitive, accurate, and commercially robust.

Responsibilities will include:

• Leading and managing the estimating team, providing guidance, training, and mentorship.
• Overseeing the preparation of accurate and competitive estimates for both new build and refurbishment projects across multiple sectors.
• Developing and implementing estimating strategies and processes to improve accuracy, efficiency, and competitiveness.
• Reviewing and interpreting tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to advise on commercial viability.
• Building strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and consultants to ensure best-in-market pricing.
• Preparing and presenting high-level reports on tender opportunities, risks, and cost strategies to senior leadership.
• Ensuring tender submissions comply with internal procedures, client requirements, and deadlines.
• Collaborating closely with project teams and senior management to support post-tender evaluation and project handover.
• Contributing to business growth by identifying new opportunities and supporting strategic planning.

What you will need to succeed:

• Extensive experience as a Senior/Chief Estimator or equivalent in the UK construction sector.
• Strong background in residential, affordable housing, care homes, student accommodation, education, and refurbishment projects.
• Proven experience managing an estimating team and overseeing multiple high-value tenders.
• Expertise in both new build and refurbishment construction projects.
• Excellent knowledge of JCT or NEC contracts and tendering processes.
• Strong commercial awareness, analytical skills, and negotiation ability.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
• Strategic mindset, with the ability to make commercial decisions that impact company growth.

What you get in return:

You will be offered a highly competitive salary of £80,000-£100,000, plus a full benefits package including car/car allowance, pension, 25+ days annual leave, and additional company perks. This is a unique opportunity to lead a growing commercial function, work on high-profile projects, and play a key role in shaping the company's future while developing your own career within a supportive and ambitious organisation.

Apply:

If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.

Building Careers UK specialises in Construction and Property recruitment and serves as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. By applying for this job, you accept the Terms and Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Disclaimers which can be found on our website.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. Our recruitment process is designed to ensure equal opportunities for all candidates, regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, disability, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic.

Please Note: Due to high volume of applicants, only those shortlisted will be contacted.