Estimation Manager

Pontoon; England; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the United Kingdom is looking for an Estimation Manager to oversee cost estimation and budgeting processes. The role includes managing tender submissions, collaborating with risk teams, and ensuring financial accuracy throughout project lifecycles. Candidates should have a solid background in estimating and be proactive in enhancing estimating practices. This position offers a hybrid work model, providing flexibility in the workplace.

Qualifications

• Solid estimating background, particularly in construction or infrastructure.
• Strong command of estimating theory, processes, and change control.
• Ability to support guiding senior management effectively.
• Professional presence and communication confidence required.
• Willingness to travel when necessary.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for the estimating function.
• Oversee systematic collection of cost-related data.
• Manage preparation and approval of tenders and bids.
• Monitor project costs throughout the life cycle.
• Drive continuous improvement in estimating practices.

Skills

Estimating background in construction

Estimating theory and processes

Senior internal and external communication

Ability to support senior management

Professional presence

Comfortable in innovative environments

Job description

Job title: Estimation Manager

Location: Warwick/Birmingham/Hybrid

Duration: 6 months initially

We use generative AI tools to support our candidate screening process. This helps us ensure a fair, consistent, and efficient experience for all applicants. Rest assured, all final decisions are made by our hiring team, and your application will be reviewed with care and attention.

The role

An Estimating Manager in the construction industry is responsible for leading the preparation of accurate and competitive cost estimates by evaluating project scope, technical requirements, and client expectations. They oversee the development and maintenance of project budgets, analyse cost data from suppliers and subcontractors, and manage the tendering process to ensure bids align with commercial objectives. The role involves close collaboration with risk and commercial teams to identify and mitigate financial risks, as well as ongoing monitoring of project costs during delivery to identify variances and implement corrective actions.

Responsibilities

• Cost Estimation and Budgeting: Provide strategic leadership for the estimating function to ensure all cost estimates are accurate, consistent, and aligned with organisational standards. Develop robust estimating processes that deliver reliable budgets for projects of varying complexity. Ensure project budgets are realistic, competitive, and capable of supporting successful project delivery and business objectives.
• Data Collection and Analysis: Oversee the systematic collection and evaluation of all cost-related data, including labour rates, materials, plant, location‑specific factors, and project durations. Establish and maintain cost databases and benchmarking processes that capture historical performance and market intelligence. Use these insights to improve forecasting accuracy and strengthen the organisation's competitive position in the market.
• Tender and Bid Preparation: Manage the preparation, review, and approval of cost estimates for tenders and bids. Ensure that tender submissions are commercially competitive while maintaining compliance with client requirements and internal governance standards. Provide leadership in the evaluation of contractor and supplier proposals, ensuring value for money, risk coverage, and alignment with the organisation's strategic objectives.
• Cost Control and Monitoring: Oversee the monitoring of project costs throughout the life cycle, ensuring alignment between forecasts, budgets, and actual outcomes. Establish governance frameworks for managing cost variations and disputes, enabling timely resolution and preventing escalation. Drive continuous improvement by embedding lessons learned from project delivery back into estimating practices to strengthen future performance.

Requirements

• Solid estimating background (construction, utilities, infrastructure)
• Strong command of estimating theory, processes, and change control
• Ability to step in as SME and support/guide Chris
• Confident with senior internal/external audiences
• Able to travel when needed
• Professional presence, concise communicator
• Comfortable working in early‑stage, innovative environments

Candidates will ideally show evidence of the above in their CV in order to be considered.

We respect and appreciate people of all ethnicities, generations, religious beliefs, sexual orientations, gender identities, and more. We do this by showcasing their talents, skills, and unique experience in an inclusive environment that helps them thrive.