Senior Estimator

Building Careers UK Ltd; England; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent Benefits Package

Career development

Senior leadership role

Job summary

Building Careers UK Ltd is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead the estimating and pre-construction activities for a portfolio of refurbishment and fit-out projects in Warrington.

You will manage tenders from enquiry through submission, coordinating with operational and commercial teams to develop winning strategies and robust estimates. This permanent role offers a strong production and client-facing leadership path.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator in construction/refurbishment.
• Strong background in refurbishment or fit-out projects.
• Experience pricing industrial, commercial or education schemes.
• Good understanding of CAT A/B fit-outs and related works.
• Strong technical ability with drawings/specifications interpretation.
• Experience obtaining and negotiating supplier/subcontractor quotes.
• Excellent ability to produce detailed estimates and take-offs.

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation and submission of competitive tenders across multiple projects.
• Review tender documents, drawings, specifications and scope.
• Produce detailed cost estimates including labour, materials, plant and subcontractors.
• Carry out quantity take-offs from drawings and specs.
• Manage tender process from enquiry to submission.
• Prepare detailed tender breakdowns and pricing schedules.
• Ensure tenders are accurate and met deadlines.

Skills

Tendering experience

Cost estimation

Construction knowledge

Tools

Drawing interpretation

Job description

Senior Estimator - Construction & Refurbishment

Location: Warrington, Cheshire

Salary/Package: £65,000 - £75,000 + Excellent Beneifts Package

Job Type: Permanent

About the Company

Our client is an established and growing principal contractor specialising in industrial, commercial and education refurbishment projects across the UK.

With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects and building long-standing client relationships, the business undertakes a diverse range of schemes, including industrial refurbishments, warehouse improvements, commercial fit-outs, CAT A and CAT B office projects, roofing and cladding upgrades, and wider building improvement works.

Due to continued growth and an expanding project pipeline, an opportunity has arisen for an experienced Senior Estimator to join the team based in Warrington.

The Role

The successful candidate will take a leading role within the estimating and pre-construction function, managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission.

You will be responsible for producing accurate and competitive estimates across a varied portfolio of refurbishment and fit-out projects, working closely with the operational, commercial and senior management teams to develop effective tender strategies and secure new business.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator looking to take ownership of the estimating process within an ambitious contractor, with the opportunity to influence work-winning strategy and contribute directly to the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Tender Management

• Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tenders across multiple construction and refurbishment projects.


• Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and scope requirements.


• Produce detailed and accurate cost estimates, including labour, materials, plant and subcontractor costs.


• Carry out quantity take-offs and measure works from drawings and specifications.


• Manage the tender process from initial enquiry through to submission.


• Prepare detailed tender breakdowns, pricing schedules and supporting documentation.


• Ensure all tenders are completed accurately and within agreed deadlines.

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Prepare and issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors.


• Obtain, review and compare quotations to ensure competitive pricing.


• Develop and maintain strong relationships with the supply chain.


• Negotiate pricing and identify opportunities to improve tender competitiveness.


• Challenge quotations and identify potential gaps, risks or discrepancies.

Commercial & Risk Management

• Identify commercial risks and opportunities within tender documentation.


• Develop appropriate allowances and pricing strategies.


• Review project requirements and identify potential value engineering opportunities.


• Ensure estimates are commercially robust and reflect the full scope of works.


• Support tender reviews and present estimates to senior management.


• Assist with the handover of successful tenders to the operational and commercial teams.

Team & Business Development

• Work closely with the senior management, commercial and operational teams.


• Support the development of effective work-winning and estimating strategies.


• Contribute to improving estimating processes and procedures.


• Help identify opportunities to secure new projects and strengthen existing client relationships.

About You

Proven experience as a Senior Estimator or experienced Estimator within the construction industry.

Strong background in refurbishment, fit-out or general building contracting.

Experience pricing industrial, commercial or education projects would be advantageous.

Good understanding of CAT A/B fit-outs, industrial refurbishments and associated building works.

Strong technical ability with experience interpreting drawings and specifications.

Confident producing detailed estimates and undertaking accurate quantity take-offs.

Experience obtaining and negotiating supplier and subcontractor quotations.

Strong commercial awareness and understanding of construction costs.

Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.

Confident communicating with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and senior management.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of £65,000 - £75,000, depending on experience.


• Additional company package.


• Opportunity to join an established and growing principal contractor.


• Varied portfolio of industrial, commercial and refurbishment projects.


• Senior position with responsibility for leading tender opportunities.


• Opportunity to influence estimating strategy and contribute to business growth.


• Long-term career development.

Equal Opportunities

Building Careers UK is an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates.