Senior Estimator

A.D.S Construction Personnel Ltd; Bedford; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days holiday per year

Discretionary bonus

Pension scheme with salary sacrifice

Job summary

A.D.S Construction Personnel Ltd in Bedford seeks a Senior Estimator to lead detailed tenders for specialist manufactured products and installation packages.

You will prepare accurate cost plans, pricing from drawings and tender documents, and work with sales, production and project teams to build competitive bids. The role offers a supportive environment and a permanent position with salary up to £60,000, a discretionary bonus and a company pension.

Qualifications

• Experience as Senior Estimator or ready to step up.
• Background in construction/manufacturing/subcontracting/specialist trades.
• Ability to price confidently from drawings, specs and tender docs.
• Experience preparing detailed cost plans and tender submissions.
• Strong supplier and subcontractor knowledge.
• Proficiency with Excel and estimating software such as Bluebeam or PlanSwift.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates for specialist manufactured products and installation packages.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documents.
• Build up material, labour, manufacturing and subcontractor costs.
• Request, compare and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Lead complex tenders and higher-value pricing submissions.
• Identify commercial risks, exclusions and value-engineering opportunities.
• Work with sales, production and design and project teams.
• Keep records of estimates, assumptions and bid submissions.
• Support junior estimators and review work.
• Help improve estimating templates, processes and pricing information.

Skills

Excel

Commercial awareness

Tools

Bluebeam

PlanSwift

AutoCAD

Job description

• 25 days holiday per year, with 24 days reserved for Christmas shutdown
• Discretionary bonus
• Pension scheme, with salary sacrifice option after 3 months and company-matched contributions
• Family-run business with a supportive culture
• Working hours: 8:30 17:00

About the Company

This established Bedford-based manufacturer designs, manufactures and installs specialist security products for the UK construction industry. Its products include ballistic, blast-resistant and healthcare doors, walls, windows and louvres, used across government, healthcare and critical-infrastructure projects.

The business has a stable team, a practical management style and a supportive working environment. Continued growth has created an opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join its commercial team in Bedford and take the lead on detailed tenders for specialist manufactured products and installation packages.

As Senior Estimator, you will manage tenders from the initial enquiry through to final submission. You will prepare accurate material, labour, manufacturing and installation costs, obtain supplier and subcontractor prices, identify commercial risks and work with sales, production and project teams to build competitive bids. You will also support less experienced estimators and help maintain a consistent approach across the department.

Prepare detailed estimates for specialist manufactured products and installation packages

Review drawings, specifications and tender documents

Build up material, labour, manufacturing and subcontractor costs

Request, compare and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations

Lead complex tenders and higher-value pricing submissions

Identify commercial risks, exclusions and value-engineering opportunities

Work closely with sales, production, design and project teams

Keep clear records of estimates, assumptions and bid submissions

Support junior estimators and review work where required

Help improve estimating templates, processes and pricing information

What They Are Looking For

Experience working as a Senior Estimator, or as an Estimator ready to take the next step

A background in construction, manufacturing, subcontracting, roofing, M&E, flooring or another specialist trade

Confident pricing from drawings, specifications and tender documents

Experience preparing detailed cost plans and commercial tender submissions

Good supplier and subcontractor knowledge

Strong Excel skills and experience using estimating software such as Bluebeam or PlanSwift

Knowledge of AutoCAD or similar drawing software would be useful

A clear, organised approach with good commercial awareness

Why Apply?

Join an established specialist manufacturer with a strong order book

Take ownership of varied, technically interesting tenders

Work with a supportive management and commercial team

Develop within a growing estimating department

Secure permanent role with a salary of up to £60,000, bonus and pension

Relevant experience may include: Senior Estimator, Construction Estimator, Manufacturing Estimator, Subcontractor Estimator, Cost Estimator, Tendering, Cost Planning, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, AutoCAD, specialist construction, security products, manufacturing and installation.