Estimating Manager - Highways

Enable Group; Rochester; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working (1-2 days remote)

Stable workload within highways sector

Opportunity for leadership and responsibility

Job summary

A reputable highways and infrastructure contractor in Rochester is seeking an Estimating Manager to lead their estimating team. The role involves managing the estimating process for highways and surfacing projects, mentoring junior estimators, and maintaining accountability for tender submissions. The ideal candidate should have strong knowledge of NEC contracts and experience managing multiple tenders. This office-based role allows for limited flexibility with 1-2 days of remote work per week, offering a salary between £80,000 and £90,000.

Qualifications

• Experience leading or mentoring estimators.
• Confidence managing tender submissions and deadlines.
• Ability to provide technical oversight and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Manage the end-to-end estimating process for highways projects.
• Lead and develop a team of junior estimators.
• Review pricing strategies and value engineering proposals.

Skills

Leadership and mentoring

Strong working knowledge of NEC forms of contract

Management of multiple tenders

Job description

Highways & Infrastructure

Location: Rochester (office‑based with limited flexibility)
Salary: £80,000 – £90,000
Working Pattern: Office‑based with 1–2 days per week flexible working

We are recruiting for an Estimating Manager to join an established highways and surfacing contractor delivering a steady pipeline of highways, infrastructure and public realm projects across Rochester and the wider South East.

The business works predominantly on NEC‑based highways schemes, covering planned maintenance, resurfacing, civil engineering and associated infrastructure works. Due to succession within the estimating function, the company is now seeking an experienced professional to take ownership of the estimating team and function.

This role will suit a hands‑on Estimating Manager who enjoys being visible in the office, leading and mentoring junior estimators, and working closely with delivery and commercial teams.

Role Overview

As Estimating Manager, you will be responsible for managing and developing the estimating team while maintaining overall accountability for tender submissions.

You will lead a team of developing and ambitious estimators, providing structure, guidance and technical oversight, while also remaining actively involved in complex tenders. The role requires a strong office presence, with some flexibility (1–2 days per week) once established.

Key Responsibilities

• Managing the end‑to‑end estimating process for highways and surfacing projects


• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of junior estimators


• Reviewing pricing strategies, risk allowances and value engineering proposals


• Working closely with operations and commercial teams during handover


• Improving estimating processes, systems and consistency across bids


• Supporting work‑winning strategy and pipeline planning

About You

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Estimating Manager or Senior Estimator looking to step into a leadership role within a stable and growing business.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience leading or mentoring estimators


• Strong working knowledge of NEC forms of contract


• Ability to operate with authority while supporting junior team members


• Confidence managing multiple tenders and competing deadlines

What’s on Offer

• Salary of £80,000 – £90,000, depending on experience


• Stable workload within the highways sector


• 1–2 days per week flexible working, balanced with office leadership


• Opportunity to shape and lead a young, developing estimating team


• Long‑term role with genuine responsibility and influence