Estimating Manager

Had Fab; Bellshill; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading steel fabrication company in the UK seeks an Estimating Manager to convert customer enquiries into profitable business proposals. The role involves direct team leadership, ensuring high-quality proposals while maximizing profitability and minimizing risk. The ideal candidate will have a strong understanding of structural steel, solid commercial acumen, and experience leading teams. A proactive and analytical mindset is essential to thrive in this fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Experience in managing technical details and commercial aspects.
• Ability to solve problems and engage at all levels.
• Comfortable in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Act as the main contact for RFQs and tenders.
• Lead and develop the estimating team to meet deadlines.
• Ensure proposals are commercially viable and aligned with company standards.
• Negotiate commercial terms to maximize profitability.
• Manage project scope and maintain accurate cost control.

Skills

Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office

Technical understanding of fabrication and structural steel

Solid commercial acumen

Experience leading or mentoring a small team

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills

Proactive, analytical, and solutions-focused mindset

Tools

StruMIS ERP

Job description

This job is brought to you by Jobs/Redefined, the UK's leading over-50s age inclusive jobs board.

Estimating Manager

Are you commercially astute, detail-driven, and confident leading a team that turns customer enquiries into profitable projects? Join us at Had Fab as our next Estimating Manager, where you'll play a key role in shaping how we win work, manage risk, and drive growth across major UK infrastructure sectors.

About Us

Had Fab is a leader in the design and manufacture of bespoke steel structures for the power, transport, and construction industries. As a trusted supplier supporting the UK’s 2030 net‑zero targets and major infrastructure programmes, we’re proud of our reputation for engineering excellence, quality, and innovation. Join a forward‑thinking team where your expertise will directly influence how we deliver success for our customers and the wider industry.

About the Role

As Estimating Manager, you’ll be responsible for converting customer enquiries and tenders into winning business proposals that align with Had Fab’s technical and operational capabilities. You’ll balance commercial awareness with practical delivery insight‑maximising profitability while minimising risk. Working closely with the Estimating and Commercial Manager and the wider leadership team, you’ll ensure our estimating function operates efficiently, supports strategic growth, and continues to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the main point of contact for all RFQs and tenders, assessing opportunities and allocating estimating work appropriately.
• Collaborate with the Estimating and Commercial Manager to ensure business capacity aligns with project schedules or negotiate alternative terms where needed.
• Lead, support, and develop the estimating team to deliver high‑quality proposals on time and in line with company standards.
• Review customer order proposals to ensure commercial terms and contract conditions are acceptable and do not expose Had Fab to undue risk.
• Clarify and document all customer requirements, recording any exceptions and ensuring agreement is reached.
• Negotiate optimal commercial terms‑covering price, payment, and schedule—to enhance profitability and cash flow.
• Manage project scope and variation orders to ensure accurate cost and schedule control.
• Maintain and update cost data within StruMIS, ensuring alignment with current materials, labour rates, and project types.
• Produce management information and analysis, including conversion rates, contribution margins, and loss trends.
• Contribute to monthly sales strategy and management review meetings, presenting estimation performance and improvement initiatives.
• Champion continuous improvement and promote a proactive, “can‑do” attitude across the business.

About You

We’re looking for a confident and commercially minded individual who can balance technical detail with strategic oversight. You’ll thrive in a fast‑paced environment, enjoy problem‑solving, and be comfortable engaging with clients, suppliers, and colleagues at all levels.

You'll bring

• Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and StruMIS ERP
• Proven technical understanding of fabrication and structural steel
• Solid commercial acumen, including financial awareness and contract negotiation
• Experience leading or mentoring a small team
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• A proactive, analytical, and solutions‑focused mindset