Estimating Manager

Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd; Wilby; Hybrid; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Time Recruitment Solutions Ltd in Northampton is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the estimating and tendering function, ensuring opportunities are accurately assessed and commercially robust.

You will manage the tender process, develop cost estimates, review drawings and specifications, lead the estimators, and collaborate with commercial and operations to maximise profitability and bid success in a hybrid working environment.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in Estimating Manager or senior estimator.
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Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process from enquiry through to tender submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and tender documentation.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and commercial submissions.
• Identify risks, opportunities, assumptions, and commercial considerations within bids.
• Work closely with commercial, operational, procurement, and leadership teams.
• Challenge supplier pricing and ensure tenders remain competitive and profitable.
• Lead tender review meetings and provide recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement across estimating processes and procedures.
• Develop and mentor estimators and junior team members.

Skills

Estimating & Tendering

Commercial awareness

Stakeholder management

Bid management

Drawings interpretation

Team leadership

Excel

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Estimating Manager

Package

Salary between £50,000 up to £70,000 DOE

Northampton office with hybrid working

Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the estimating and tendering function, ensuring opportunities are accurately assessed, commercially robust, and submitted to the highest standard.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting business growth by managing the tender process, leading the estimating team, and providing clear commercial recommendations that maximise profitability and bid success.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process from enquiry through to tender submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, scopes of work, and tender documentation.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and commercial submissions.
• Identify risks, opportunities, assumptions, and commercial considerations within bids.
• Work closely with commercial, operational, procurement, and leadership teams.
• Challenge supplier pricing and ensure tenders remain competitive and profitable.
• Lead tender review meetings and provide recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Support continuous improvement across estimating processes and procedures.
• Develop and mentor estimators and junior team members.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an Estimating Manager, Senior Estimator, or similar role.
• Strong understanding of estimating, tendering, and commercial management.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and contract documents.
• Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially minded and results-focused.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Organised, structured, and deadline-driven.
• Confident in challenging assumptions and driving improvements.
• Collaborative, proactive, and capable of leading teams effectively.

Why This Role Matters

A strong estimating function does more than win work-it protects the wider business. This role ensures the business has the capacity, structure, and commercial insight needed to convert opportunities into profitable revenue while supporting sustainable growth