Head of Estimating

Global Construction Review; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Bimplus is seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead and build an in-house estimating function for refurbishment projects in London. The role involves taking full ownership of tendering and bid management, working across public sector, social housing, education and heritage sectors, and raising estimating standards.

The candidate will lead from first principles, review documents, manage risks and build relationships with subcontractors to improve win rates.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator / Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager.
• Strong background in refurbishment, fit-out or D&B projects.
• Experience delivering public sector, social housing or education schemes (heritage beneficial).
• Experience working on projects in the £500k-£5m+ range.
• Ability to set up tenders from scratch, not just pricing.
• Strong commercial awareness and technical understanding.
• Ambition to progress into Head of Estimating / leadership role.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage tender submissions for refurbishment and fit-out projects.
• Lead estimating activities from first principles (tender set-up through to submission).
• Review drawings, specifications and contract documentation.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities.
• Build and manage subcontractor and supply chain relationships.
• Improve tender win rates and estimating performance.
• Support transition from outsourced to in-house estimating.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Tender management

Commercial awareness

Job description

Estimating Manager (Head of Estimating Opportunity)
Strategic Leadership Opportunity | London
Salary: Competitive, depending on relevant experience
Location: London (Crystal Palace area - office & site-based)
Full time / Permanent

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager / Senior Estimator to lead and build an in-house estimating function for a well-established refurbishment contractor.

The Opportunity

• Lead and develop the estimating function (currently outsourced)
• Take full ownership of tendering and bid management
• Work on refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects
• Operate across public sector, social housing, education and heritage sectors
• Work closely with senior leadership on commercial strategy and growth
• Introduce structure, systems and best practice into estimating
• This role offers senior-level responsibility with clear influence over the direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage tender submissions for refurbishment and fit-out projects
• Lead estimating activities from first principles (tender set-up through to submission)
• Review drawings, specifications and contract documentation
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities
• Build and manage subcontractor and supply chain relationships
• Improve tender win rates and estimating performance
• Support transition from outsourced to in-house estimating

Requirements

• Proven experience as an Estimator / Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager
• Strong background in refurbishment, fit-out or D&B projects
• Experience delivering public sector, social housing or education schemes (heritage beneficial)
• Experience working on projects in the £500k-£5m+ range
• Ability to set up tenders from scratch, not just pricing
• Strong commercial awareness and technical understanding
• Ambition to progress into a Head of Estimating / leadership role

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to build and lead an estimating department
• Work on complex refurbishment and public sector projects
• Clear progression into Head of Estimating
• Strong pipeline across social housing, education and heritage sectors
• Stable, growing contractor with long-term opportunities