Estimating Manager / Director

The Highfield Company; South Yorkshire; On-site; GBP 76,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction recruitment agency is seeking an Estimating Manager / Director in South Yorkshire. In this senior role, you will lead the estimating team and influence the company's strategic direction within the structural steel sector. Ideal candidates should have over 10 years' experience in the field, strong leadership skills, and a proven track record in complex projects. This position offers a competitive salary and performance-based bonus, with long-term career potential at board level.

Benefits

Performance-based bonus

Career growth opportunities

Collaborative leadership team

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years' experience in structural steel or architectural metalwork contracting.
• Proven track record in estimating at senior or director level.
• Strong understanding of pricing structures and fabrication processes.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the estimating team.
• Oversee bid alignment with strategic and financial objectives.
• Develop and implement estimating systems and procedures.
• Assess and manage tender risk and pricing methodologies.
• Lead post-tender negotiations as required.

Skills

Leadership skills

Estimating software proficiency

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

Job description

Job Title: Estimating Manager / Director

Location: South Yorkshire

Sector: Structural Steel & Architectural Metalwork

Salary: Up to £90,000 + Performance related Bonus

Overview

We are working in partnership with a market-leading specialist in structural steel and architectural metalwork to appoint an Estimating Manager / Director to lead and evolve their pre‑construction and tendering function.

This is a senior leadership role with board‑level visibility and a direct influence on the company's strategic direction. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a high‑performing estimating and business development function, aligning commercial pricing strategies with operational delivery and market growth.

This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a well‑established, high‑performing contractor with a strong reputation for delivering technically complex and architecturally significant projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, manage, and develop the estimating team, instilling best practices, efficiency, and accuracy across all tenders
• Oversee and collaborate with the Business Development Director to ensure bid alignment with the company's strategic and financial objectives
• Develop and implement estimating systems, procedures, and controls to support consistent, scalable tendering across multiple workstreams
• Assess and manage tender risk, build‑ups, and pricing methodologies in relation to design, scope, and buildability
• Lead on value engineering initiatives and post‑tender negotiations as required
• Collaborate with operations and commercial departments to ensure successful project handovers and alignment between estimating and delivery
• Provide accurate forecasting, performance tracking, and pipeline reporting to the Board
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the estimating and pre‑construction function

Key Requirements

• Minimum 10 years' experience in structural steel or architectural metalwork contracting
• Proven track record in estimating at senior or director level, ideally including high‑value and complex projects (£5m+)
• Deep understanding of estimating software, pricing structures, fabrication processes, and installation methods
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high‑performing teams
• Commercially strategic mindset, able to see the bigger picture and influence business decisions
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to lead client conversations and internal strategy discussions
• Ambitious, organised, and collaborative, capable of working at both operational and strategic levels

Why Join?

• Join a respected market leader with a strong reputation, robust pipeline, and growth ambitions
• Play a critical role in shaping how the business prices, wins, and delivers work
• Competitive salary, performance‑based bonus, and long‑term career potential at board level
• Work within a collaborative, progressive leadership team who value innovation and continuous improvement

Application Process

This is a retained and exclusive opportunity managed by Sharon O'Donnell at The Highfield Company. For a confidential conversation, please contact Sharon