Senior Construction Estimator

SWG Group; Coven; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A regional principal contractor in the United Kingdom is seeking a Senior Estimator to manage the preparation of competitive tenders for various construction projects. The ideal candidate will have over 5 years of experience in a similar role with a strong background in pricing and risk management. Responsibilities include reviewing project specifications, preparing cost plans, and collaborating with clients and subcontractors. This position offers a competitive salary between £60,000 and £70,000, along with flexible working options and a cooperative work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary £60,000 – £70,000 (DOE)

Car allowance

33 days annual leave (including bank holidays)

Flexible and hybrid working options

Long-term opportunity within a stable contractor

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a UK principal contractor.
• Proven experience in pricing, design & build, and traditional contracts.
• Experience across residential, commercial, industrial, or public-sector projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of accurate, competitive tenders.
• Review and interrogate drawings and specifications.
• Prepare detailed cost plans and pricing models.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries.
• Evaluate subcontractor returns for compliance.
• Carry out site visits and pre-tender meetings.
• Identify risk and value-engineering options.
• Collaborate with clients and consultants during bids.
• Present pricing summaries to management.
• Ensure structured handover to teams.

Skills

Construction estimating and cost planning

First-principles pricing

Subcontract procurement and package analysis

Value engineering and cost optimisation

Risk identification and tender strategy

Tender documentation and bid submissions

Strong Excel skills

Estimating software (Causeway preferred)

Understanding of UK construction contracts

Education

Degree or HNC / HND in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or similar

Job description

Overview

This is a senior, trusted role with real influence over how projects are priced, risk‑managed, and delivered.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of accurate, competitive tenders for new build and refurbishment projects.
• Review and interrogate drawings, specifications, schedules, and employer requirements.
• Prepare detailed cost plans, take‑offs, and pricing models.
• Manage and coordinate subcontractor and supplier enquiries ensuring full scope coverage.
• Evaluate and benchmark subcontractor returns for commercial and technical compliance.
• Carry out site visits and pre‑tender meetings as required.
• Identify risk, opportunity, and value‑engineering options within tenders.
• Work collaboratively with clients, consultants, and internal teams during bid stages.
• Present pricing summaries and tender clarifications to senior management.
• Ensure a clear and structured handover of successful tenders to construction and commercial teams.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years' experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a UK principal contractor.
• Proven experience in pricing, design & build and traditional contracts.
• Experience across residential, commercial, industrial, or public‑sector projects.
• Degree or HNC / HND in Construction, Quantity Surveying, or similar (preferred but not essential).

Technical Skills

• Construction estimating and cost planning.
• First‑principles pricing.
• Subcontract procurement and package analysis.
• Value engineering and cost optimisation.
• Risk identification and tender strategy.
• Tender documentation and bid submissions.
• Strong Excel skills.
• Experience with estimating software (Causeway preferred).
• Understanding of UK construction contracts and procurement routes.

Personal & Commercial Skills

• Commercially astute with strong attention to detail.
• Able to work autonomously and manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
• Confident communicator with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
• Calm under pressure with the ability to meet tight deadlines.
• Collaborative mindset and strong team ethic.

Benefits

• Competitive salary £60,000 – £70,000 (DOE).
• Car allowance.
• 33 days annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Flexible and hybrid working options.
• Long‑term opportunity within a stable and growing contractor.

About the company

SWG Construction is a growing, well‑established principal contractor delivering residential, commercial, industrial, and public‑sector projects across the Midlands and Wales. We are known for our collaborative approach, strong delivery teams, and focus on long‑term relationships with clients and supply chain partners.