Lead Construction Estimator: Tender Lead & Value Engineering

Catering; Watford; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

Catering is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Projects team in Watford. You will lead the full tender process from review to submission, coordinating with clients, subcontractors and the pre-construction team.

The role offers strong progression potential with responsibilities across value engineering, risk analysis and handover to delivery teams. Based in Watford, the position is a permanent, on-site opportunity with salary in the £75k–£80k range.

Qualifications

• 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.
• A collaborative, proactive approach.

Responsibilities

• Lead the tender process from initial review through to final submission.
• Review tender proposals and identifying key project requirements.
• Prepare 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.
• 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.

Skills

Proven estimator experience

Numerical skills

Analytical skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Time management

Microsoft Office

Team collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Catering is seeking an experienced Estimator to join our Projects team in Watford. You will lead the full tender process from review to submission, coordinating with clients, subcontractors and the pre-construction team.

The role offers strong progression potential with responsibilities across value engineering, risk analysis and handover to delivery teams. Based in Watford, the position is a permanent, on-site opportunity with salary in the £75k–£80k range.