Estimator

Vision Recruitment Group Limited; Watford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Vision Recruitment Group Limited is seeking an experienced Estimator for a permanent role in Watford within the Special Works Projects team. You will lead tenders up to £5M, collaborating with clients, subcontractors and the pre-construction team to deliver competitive bids.

You will take ownership of the full tender process from initial review through to submission, with strong progression potential and a handover to the operations team after award.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in construction estimating and tendering.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with good problem-solving abilities.
• Clear commercial awareness and attention to detail in bids and costs.
• Confident negotiation, communication and presentation skills for client engagement.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and meet deadlines efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process for the special works division, including tender review and final submission.
• Review tender proposals, extract key requirements, and prepare detailed bills of quantities.
• Obtain and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations; produce net cost estimates.
• Work on fixed-price and two-stage tenders; support design-and-build opportunities.
• Coordinate with planners, design managers and project stakeholders; manage tender communications.

Skills

Numerical ability

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Commercial awareness

Negotiation

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Time management

Relationship building

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Location: Watford | Sector: Construction | Type: Permanent

We’re recruiting on behalf of a well-established and respected construction business that is looking for an experienced Estimator to join its Special Works Projects team in Watford working on projects up to £5M.

This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator who wants to take ownership of the full tender process and play a key role in securing new projects.

With strong progression potential, you’ll manage tenders from initial review through to submission and, where successful, support a detailed handover to the project delivery team.

The Role

You’ll lead the estimating process for the special works division working on projects up to £5M, working closely with senior management, clients, subcontractors and the wider pre-construction team.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the tender process from initial review through to final submission.
• Reviewing tender proposals and identifying key project requirements.
• Preparing detailed, competitive tenders and bills of quantities.
• Obtaining, analysing and comparing subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Producing net cost estimates based on current market rates.
• Working on both fixed-price and two-stage tenders.
• Supporting design-and-build opportunities, including value engineering and design advice.
• Undertaking detailed risk analysis and ensuring risks are appropriately reflected within tender submissions.

You will also:

• Coordinate with planners, design managers, temporary works engineers and other project stakeholders.
• Organise site visits and manage tender communications.
• Attend mid-tender, post-tender and settlement meetings.
• Present commercial offers and advise on the best approach to winning work.
• Develop tender clarifications and qualifications.
• Manage amendments to tender documentation throughout the tender period.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
• Support value engineering and wider work-winning strategies.
• Complete tender documentation and provide a detailed handover to the Operations team following successful award.

About You

The successful candidate will have proven experience in construction estimating, strong commercial awareness and the confidence to manage complex tender submissions from start to finish.

You’ll ideally bring:

• Proven experience as an Estimator within the construction industry.
• Excellent numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Confident negotiation, communication and presentation skills.
• The ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines effectively.
• Strong relationship-building skills with clients, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Good knowledge of Microsoft Office.

The Opportunity

High ceiling to progress with the company working on projects up to £50M. This role would suit an Estimator who wants genuine influence over the work-winning and pre-construction process, while working closely with senior management and a strong supply chain.

• Location: Watford
• Sector: Construction
• Type: Permanent