Senior Estimator

Falcon Green; England; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading main contractor in the UK is seeking a Senior Estimator to join their London head office. The role involves preparing and managing high-quality tender proposals, leading bid strategy, and contributing to the pre-construction phase across diverse projects. Ideal candidates will have 5-10 years of estimating experience, strong technical skills, and a degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management. This is a fantastic opportunity to play a key role in bid management within a reputable firm.

Qualifications

• 5-10 years’ experience in an estimating role ideally with a main contractor.
• Strong technical understanding of construction methods and procurement strategies.
• Proven ability to manage full tender processes independently.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and submit high-quality tender proposals with cost plans and assessments.
• Manage tender information across departments and lead coordination.
• Mentor junior estimators and support team development.

Skills

Estimating in construction

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Commercial awareness

Organisation capability

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management

Tools

Excel

Estimating software (e.g., Causeway / Conquest)

MS Office tools

Job description

Senior Estimator to join a leading main contractor at their London head office. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating professional to take ownership of major tenders, lead bid strategy, and play a key role in the pre‑construction phase across a diverse portfolio of projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Preparing, managing, and submitting high‑quality tender proposals, including detailed cost plans, programmes, qualifications, clarifications, and risk assessments.
• Leading the coordination and management of tender information across internal departments.
• Working closely with Pre‑Construction Directors and Senior Management on competitive and negotiated bids.
• Managing subcontractor and supplier engagement: preparing enquiries, reviewing quotations, assessing scope gaps, and ensuring robust comparisons.
• Identifying key risks and opportunities at tender stage and proposing mitigation strategies.
• Contributing to value engineering exercises and offering commercially driven solutions.
• Presenting tenders at internal adjudications and supporting presentations to clients when required.
• Mentoring junior estimators and supporting the development of the wider pre‑construction team.
• Occasional site visits to gather technical understanding and support tender accuracy.

Ideal Candidate

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or another construction‑related discipline.
• 5-10 years’ experience in an estimating role, ideally with a main contractor on commercial or mixed‑use schemes.
• Strong technical understanding of construction methods, procurement strategies, and pre‑construction processes.
• Proven ability to manage full tender processes independently.
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with confidence engaging clients, consultants, and the supply chain.
• Strong IT skills, including Excel, estimating software (e.g., Causeway / Conquest), and standard MS Office tools.
• High level of accuracy, commercial awareness, and strong organisational capability.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset and the ability to work under pressure to deadlines.

If you believe you are a strong fit for this position, please apply via the link. All applications will be handled in confidence.