Head of Estimating

Hill McGlynn Recruitment Limited; Potters Bar; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Hill McGlynn Recruitment Limited is seeking a highly experienced Head of Estimating for their Potters Bar, Hertfordshire office. You will lead the estimating function from early cost planning through to final tender, setting strategy with the Pre-Construction Director and developing a high-performing team.

The role requires a minimum of 10 years in estimating with at least 3 years in a senior leadership position, and a proven track record of winning medium to large-scale bids.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in construction estimating (essential).
• 3+ years in a senior/management role leading an estimating team (essential).
• Proven track record of winning bids on medium to large-scale projects (essential).
• Experience managing tenders from cost planning to handover (essential).
• Strong leadership, mentoring and development of estimators.
• Excellent commercial judgement with margins, risk and profitability understanding.
• Deep understanding of construction methods, buildability and costs.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating function from early cost planning to final tender and handover.
• Set estimating strategy with the Pre-Construction Director and senior leadership.
• Mentor and develop the estimating team.
• Allocate tender opportunities and workloads across the department.
• Review tender documentation and establish estimating & procurement strategies.
• Oversee preparation of cost plans, estimates and tender submissions.
• Ensure bids are accurate, compliant, commercially viable and aligned with objectives.
• Lead reviews of major tender submissions prior to sign-off.
• Support bid strategy and client meetings or negotiations as required.
• Hand over successful tenders to delivery teams and monitor performance.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Commercial judgement

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Analytical problem solving

Tender management

Buildability understanding

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

MRICS / MCIOB desirable

Job description

Head of Estimating

Location: Potters Bar, Hertfordshire Salary: £90,000 - £110,000 per annum Sector: Construction / Main Contracting / Pre-Construction Employment Type: Full-time Reporting To: Pre-Construction Director

The Opportunity

Hill McGlynn are currently working with an established construction contractor who are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Estimating to join their senior team, based from their Potters Bar office. Reporting directly to the Pre-Construction Director, this is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the estimating function across the business, from early-stage cost planning through to final tender submission and handover. The successful candidate will set the estimating strategy, lead and develop the estimating team and ensure every bid submitted by the business is compliant, commercially robust, profitable and aligned with the company's strategic objectives. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating professional with strong commercial judgement, extensive construction knowledge and proven team leadership experience to take ownership of a key function within an established contractor. A minimum of 10 years' construction estimating experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or management position leading an estimating team, is essential for this role.

The Role

As Head of Estimating, you will take overall responsibility for the estimating function, providing strategic leadership while remaining closely involved in the commercial and technical review of key opportunities and tender submissions.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the estimating function from early-stage cost planning through to final tender and handover.
• Setting and implementing the estimating strategy in conjunction with the Pre-Construction Director and senior leadership team.
• Managing, mentoring and developing the estimating team.
• Allocating tender opportunities and workloads effectively across the department.
• Reviewing tender documentation and establishing appropriate estimating and procurement strategies.
• Overseeing the preparation of detailed cost plans, estimates and tender submissions.
• Ensuring all bids are accurate, compliant, commercially viable and aligned with business objectives.
• Leading commercial and technical reviews of major tender submissions prior to sign-off.
• Applying strong commercial judgement to pricing, risk, opportunity and margin decisions.
• Reviewing subcontractor and supplier quotations and ensuring appropriate market testing.Maintaining a detailed understanding of current construction costs, supply chain conditions and wider market trends.
• Identifying and managing commercial, contractual and technical risks during the tender process.
• Challenging assumptions and ensuring appropriate allowances are included within tender submissions.
• Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design, Operations and other departments throughout the bid process.
• Supporting bid strategy and identifying opportunities to improve competitiveness and value.
• Leading or contributing to tender adjudication meetings and senior-level bid reviews.
• Supporting client meetings, tender interviews and negotiations where required.
• Ensuring effective handover of successful tenders to commercial and operational delivery teams.
• Monitoring estimating performance and driving continuous improvement across systems, processes and procedures.
• Developing estimating standards and best practice across the department.
• Providing senior leadership with accurate information to support strategic decision-making.
• Maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and discretion when handling commercially sensitive information.

About You

We are looking for a highly experienced construction estimating professional who combines strong technical and commercial knowledge with proven leadership capability.

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in construction estimating - essential.
• At least 3 years' experience in a senior or management role leading an estimating team - essential.
• A proven track record of winning bids on medium to large-scale construction projects - essential.
• Extensive experience managing tenders from initial cost planning through to final submission and handover.
• Strong leadership skills with experience managing, mentoring and developing Estimators.
• Excellent commercial judgement with a thorough understanding of construction costs, margins, risk and profitability.
• A deep understanding of construction methods, sequencing and buildability.
• Strong knowledge of current market conditions, subcontractor pricing and supply chain trends.
• Experience reviewing and challenging complex tender submissions.
• Strong understanding of procurement and subcontractor tendering.
• The confidence to operate at senior management level and contribute to strategic business decisions.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities.
• The ability to manage multiple tender opportunities and competing deadlines.
• Excellent attention to detail and a structured approach to estimating and bid management.
• A high level of commercial integrity, confidentiality and discretion.
• A degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline.
• Professional membership such as MRICS, MCIOB or equivalent would be desirable.

What's on Offer?

• Salary between £90,000 and £110,000 per annum, depending on experience.
• Senior leadership position based from the Potters Bar, Hertfordshire office.
• Direct reporting line to the Pre-Construction Director.
• Overall responsibility for the company's estimating function.
• Opportunity to set estimating strategy and influence wider business decision-making.
• Leadership and development of an established estimating team.
• Involvement in medium to large-scale construction opportunities.
• Close collaboration with senior leadership and multiple departments across the business.
• Significant autonomy and responsibility within the pre-construction function.
• Long-term career development within an established construction contractor.