Lead Estimator

PSR Solutions; City Of London; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid working

Bonus scheme

Private medical insurance

Pension scheme

Life assurance

Employee discounts

Holidays & buy/sell

Cycle to work

Job summary

PSR Solutions is partnering with a leading Tier 1 main contractor in London to appoint a Lead Estimator who will head up the estimating division on major frameworks. The role involves leading tender appraisal, developing bid strategies, managing the tender process and providing leadership to junior estimators, with a view to delivering high value bids and a structured handover to delivery teams.

The successful candidate will balance strategic thinking with hands-on cost planning, risk management

Qualifications

• HND or degree in a construction related discipline is required or equivalent.
• Significant experience in analytical estimating across sectors (industrial, commercial, education, healthcare).
• Experience leading tender processes and guiding bid strategy.

Responsibilities

• Lead tender appraisal, identifying risks, opportunities and commercial drivers.
• Develop bid strategies in collaboration with senior management and bid teams.
• Oversee preparation and issue of enquiries, including supply chain engagement and selection.
• Review site conditions and conduct site visits to identify constraints and risk factors.
• Lead design development input and attend design team meetings.
• Produce Bills of Quantities and detailed cost estimates with preliminaries.
• Develop budgets and cost plans aligned to client and business objectives.
• Analyse subcontractor quotations for best value and compliance.
• Direct tender risk management and maintain the tender risk register.
• Drive value engineering during design, especially on design and build projects.
• Present tender submissions and articulate commercial positions clearly.

Skills

Leadership

Tendering

Cost planning

Risk management

Commercial awareness

Team collaboration

Education

HND / Degree in construction

Tools

Conquest estimating software

MS Office

BIM awareness

Job description

A large multi million pound tier 1 main contractor with a £1bn+ order book, looking for a Lead Estimator to head up their estimating division in London where you will be mainly focusing on the frameworks sector. We are a cash rich business, with 0 debt, and one of the best reputations in the industry with a very impressive staff retention rate.

This is a unique opportunity, with a tier 1 business that already have a large presence in the market but are also on a huge growth trajectory and looking for someone to support this by leading the team and bringing in new ideas, methods and strategies.

This role would be ideal for someone currently in a Senior Estimating position and looking for that next step up to managing a small team and making a real impact in a business.

• Lead the appraisal of tender documentation, identifying key risks, opportunities, and commercial drivers
• Develop & agree bid strategies in collaboration with senior management and the wider bid team
• Oversee the preparation and issue of material and subcontract enquiries, including supply chain engagement and selection.
• Review site conditions and undertake site visits to identify constraints and risk factors
• Contribute to and influence design development, attending and leading design team meetings where required
• Prepare and/or manage the production of bills of quantities and detailed analytical cost estimates, including preliminaries
• Develop comprehensive budgets and cost plans aligned with client and business objectives
• Analyse and adjudicate subcontractor quotations to ensure technical compliance, competitiveness, and best value
• Lead the management of technical queries to ensure design information is sufficiently developed for accurate pricing
• Proactively manage risk throughout the tender period, including ownership of the tender risk register
• Drive value engineering initiatives during the design phase, particularly on design & build projects
• Present tender submissions at settlement meetings, clearly articulating commercial positions, key risks, and opportunities
• Ensure timely and compliant completion and submission of all tender documentation
• Provide leadership and support to junior estimators and contribute to their development
• Ensure a structured and effective handover to the delivery team upon project award
• Support business continuity planning, ensuring both personal and team awareness of responsibilities
• Estimating experience working for a tier 1 main contractor within the built environment
• HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in a construction related discipline
• Significant experience in analytical estimating across multiple sectors including industrial, commercial, education, and healthcare on projects typically up to and exceeding £20m+
• Strong working knowledge of various procurement routes including traditional, partnering, design and build (including two stage tenders) and frameworks
• Proven ability to lead complex tender processes and influence bid strategy
• Proficiency in conquest estimating software (not essential) and strong capability in Microsoft Office applications
• Well developed technical construction knowledge and understanding of building regulations and industry standards
• Experience in cost planning, budget preparation and value engineering
• Awareness and practical understanding of BIM, including the ability to interrogate 3D design models
• Strong commercial awareness and risk management capability
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail
• Ability to work independently while also leading and collaborating effectively within a team environment
• Commitment to continuous professional development and the mentoring and development of others
• Car/travel allowance
• 10% bonus
• Hybrid working / flexibility
• 26 days annual leave + bank hols + buy or sell up to 3 days holiday
• 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the opt to buy family cover)
• Life assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
• Employee assistance programme
• Professional membership fees
• Perks at work employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
• Flexible benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as –
• Critical illness insurance (with opt to purchase for your partner)
• Travel insurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions