Managing Estimator

VIQU Energy Limited; England; Hybrid; GBP 86,000 - 105,000; Full time

Job summary

VIQU Energy Limited is seeking an experienced Managing Estimator to lead pricing and commercial development for major infrastructure tenders in the UK. You will oversee the estimating team, coordinate with commercial, operational and procurement colleagues, and drive profitable tender submissions.

You will develop competitive estimates, establish pricing strategies, and support senior stakeholders in negotiations. Hybrid working with travel as required.

Qualifications

• Extensive estimating experience in highways, infrastructure or maintenance contracts.
• Understanding of NEC contracts and commercial risk management.
• Proven track record of profitable tender submissions.
• Experience leading estimating teams and managing complex bids.
• Ability to develop detailed estimates from first principles.
• Strong commercial, analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience using estimating software and advanced Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and pricing of major infrastructure and civil engineering tenders.
• Develop accurate, competitive and commercially robust estimates.
• Establish tender pricing strategies considering risks, opportunities and market conditions.
• Coordinate estimating activities across commercial, operational and procurement teams.
• Manage, mentor and develop the estimating team.
• Prepare and review cost estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and overheads.
• Manage supply chain enquiries, quotations and tender reviews.
• Review tender documentation, specifications and contractual requirements.
• Present pricing recommendations and commercial strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Support client meetings, tender clarifications and commercial negotiations.
• Ensure estimating accuracy and drive improvements in processes and best practices.

Skills

Estimating

Contract pricing

Stakeholder management

Team leadership

Education

Degree or equivalent experience

Tools

Estimating software

Advanced Excel

Job description

About the Role

A leading organisation within the UK infrastructure sector is seeking an experienced Managing Estimator to oversee the pricing and commercial development of major infrastructure and civil engineering tenders. This role will focus on developing competitive estimates, managing complex bids and supporting profitable business growth. Working closely with operational, commercial and procurement teams, you will play a key role in securing major contracts and ensuring accurate, commercially robust tender submissions. You will also lead and develop the estimating team, improve internal processes and contribute to the continued growth of the business, with opportunities for future career progression.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating and pricing of major infrastructure and civil engineering tenders.
• Develop accurate, competitive and commercially robust estimates.
• Establish tender pricing strategies, considering risks, opportunities and market conditions.
• Coordinate estimating activities across commercial, operational and procurement teams.
• Manage, mentor and develop the estimating team.
• Prepare and review cost estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and overheads.
• Manage supply chain enquiries, quotations and tender reviews.
• Review tender documentation, specifications and contractual requirements.
• Present pricing recommendations and commercial strategies to senior stakeholders.
• Support client meetings, tender clarifications and commercial negotiations.
• Ensure estimating accuracy and drive improvements in processes and best practices.

About You

You are an experienced Managing Estimator or senior estimating professional with a background in highways, infrastructure, civil engineering or maintenance contracts. You have strong commercial awareness, experience managing complex tenders and the ability to lead and develop estimating teams. You are organised, analytical and confident working with senior stakeholders to deliver successful tender submissions.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Extensive estimating experience within highways, infrastructure, civil engineering or maintenance contracts.
• Proven track record of delivering successful and profitable tender submissions.
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial risk management.
• Experience leading estimating teams and managing complex bids.
• Ability to develop detailed estimates from first principles.
• Strong commercial, analytical and numerical skills.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management abilities.
• Experience using estimating software and advanced Excel.
• Relevant degree or equivalent industry experience.
• Flexibility to travel when required.

Desirable

• Experience pricing large-scale infrastructure or maintenance contracts.
• Professional membership of RICS, CIOB or ACostE.
• Experience developing and mentoring estimating teams.
• Background in improving estimating processes and digital tools.

Role: Managing Estimator

Location: South East England – Hybrid Working

Salary: Up to £95,000 + Benefits