Estimating Manager

Tandem Recruitment Group Ltd; Wellingborough; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Tandem Recruitment Group Ltd is seeking an Estimating Manager in the UK. The role is based in Wellingborough with hybrid working (two office days per week).

Approximately 70-80% of your time will be spent on estimating, while you will also manage and develop one Estimator in Wellingborough. You will lead tendering, review documents, and present recommendations to senior management.

Qualifications

• 70-80% of time dedicated to estimating.
• Experience leading estimating and tendering processes.
• Experience with tenders valued at £500,000+.
• Advanced Excel skills are essential.
• Excellent analytical, organisational and presentation abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and tender process from enquiry through to submission and approval.
• Review tender documents, specifications, drawings, pricing schedules, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare commercial reviews highlighting pricing, risks, opportunities, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Apply an 80/20 commercial review approach to focus on areas of greatest value and risk.
• Challenge supplier pricing and compare UK, EU, and Far East sourcing options.
• Work with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and Senior Management on bid strategies.
• Act as Bid Manager on key opportunities, ensuring customer requirements and deadlines are met.
• Present recommendations and tender submissions to senior management and the Board.
• Produce monthly reports on tender activity, revenue, margins, and win/loss performance.
• Carry out monthly reviews of stock and margin performance with Account Managers.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Commercial acumen

Reading drawings

Excel

Stakeholder management

Job description

Role: Estimating Manager

Location:Wellingborough based with hybrid working - 2 office days per week.
Salary: £65,000 - £70,000

We are looking for an experienced Estimating Managerto lead our estimating and tendering activities, ensuring strong commercial control and profitable growth across the business.

This is a hands-on role, with approximately 70-80% of your time dedicated to estimating, alongside managing and developing one Estimator based in Wellingborough.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and tender process from enquiry through to submission and approval.
• Review tender documents, specifications, drawings, pricing schedules, and contractual requirements.
• Prepare commercial reviews highlighting pricing, risks, opportunities, assumptions, and recommendations.
• Apply an 80/20 commercial review approach to focus on the areas of greatest value and risk.
• Challenge supplier pricing and compare UK, EU, and Far East sourcing options.
• Work closely with Sales, Procurement, Finance, Operations, and Senior Management to develop winning bid strategies.
• Act as Bid Manager on key opportunities, ensuring customer requirements and deadlines are met.
• Present recommendations and tender submissions to senior management and the Board.
• Produce monthly reports on tender activity, revenue, margins, and win/loss performance.
• Carry out monthly reviews of stock and margin performance with Account Managers.

About You

• Strong estimating, tendering, commercial, or procurement experience within manufacturing, shopfitting, retail equipment, construction, interiors, furniture, or a project-led environment.
• Proven experience managing tenders valued at £500,000+.
• Excellent commercial acumen and the ability to assess risk, margin, and competitiveness.
• Strong technical ability with experience reading drawings and specifications.
• Advanced Excel skills are essential.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the confidence to challenge and influence at all levels.

What's on Offer?

• Flexible working with a minimum of two days per week in Wellingborough.
• A key role within the business, offering genuine influence and the opportunity to work on high-value, strategic projects.