Lead Estimating & Pre-Construction Manager

Involve Recruitment Ltd.; Cardiff; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Involve Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction / Estimating Manager to lead its estimating, tendering and pre-construction activities. This pivotal role shapes tender strategy and strengthens pre-construction capability within a respected regional contracting business.

You will report to the Managing Director, assess opportunities, develop competitive tenders and guide the estimating team to deliver high-quality bids on time, aligning with client and contractual requirements.

Qualifications

• Substantial estimating and pre-construction experience within a main contracting environment.
• Proven track record of leading complex, medium to large-scale tenders.
• Ability to develop robust tenders with clear commercial strategy and risk assessment.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation, pricing, coordination and timely submission of competitive tenders.
• Assess opportunities and advise on tender strategy, commercial risk and work-winning potential.
• Develop detailed estimates, cost plans, pricing schedules and resource allowances.
• Coordinate subcontractor, supplier and consultant enquiries, reviewing quotations and identifying value-engineering opportunities.
• Collaborate with design, commercial, operational and SHEQ teams to ensure tenders reflect buildability, programme, procurement and compliance requirements.
• Attend client meetings and tender interviews, building strong stakeholder relationships.
• Maintain cost data, market intelligence, tender records and management reports.
• Manage tender workloads, deadlines, approvals and handovers to operational teams.
• Mentor and develop Estimators and Trainee Estimators.

Skills

Estimating skills

Commercial awareness

Contractual knowledge

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Excel

Education

Construction qualifications

Tools

Conquest estimating software

Asta Powerproject

Job description

Involve Recruitment Ltd. is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction / Estimating Manager to lead its estimating, tendering and pre-construction activities. This pivotal role shapes tender strategy and strengthens pre-construction capability within a respected regional contracting business.

You will report to the Managing Director, assess opportunities, develop competitive tenders and guide the estimating team to deliver high-quality bids on time, aligning with client and contractual requirements.