Senior Estimator

Recco; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Recco in North West London is seeking a Senior Estimator to strengthen its pre-construction team. You will lead estimating for refurbishment and construction projects, review drawings and specifications, and produce cost plans and detailed estimates.

You will mentor junior estimators, present tender recommendations to senior management, and help handover secured projects to delivery teams to support growth in building safety and heritage sectors.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within a UK main contractor.
• Strong background pricing refurbishment and construction projects.
• Excellent knowledge of traditional, D&B and two-stage tendering.
• Able to interpret complex construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficient with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process from initial enquiry through to tender submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, Employers Requirements and contract documentation.
• Produce accurate cost plans and detailed estimates for refurbishment and construction projects.
• Identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Work collaboratively with Design Managers, Commercial teams and Operational staff throughout the bid process.
• Attend client meetings, tender interviews and site visits.
• Prepare tender adjudication documents and present recommendations to senior management.
• Support the successful handover of secured projects to delivery teams.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the continual development of the estimating function.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Cost planning

Reading drawings/specs

Mentoring

Education

QS/Construction degree

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Senior Estimator

Location: North West London

The Opportunity

An award-winning Chartered Building Contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to strengthen its growing Pre-Construction team.

This is an opportunity to join a well-established contractor with over 50 years of experience delivering high-quality refurbishment, regeneration and building safety projects across London. You'll play a key role in securing complex schemes spanning cladding remediation, heritage restoration, commercial fit-out, residential refurbishment, education, healthcare and public sector projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating process from initial enquiry through to tender submission.
• Review drawings, specifications, Employers Requirements and contract documentation.
• Produce accurate cost plans and detailed estimates for refurbishment and construction projects.
• Identify value engineering opportunities while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Work collaboratively with Design Managers, Commercial teams and Operational staff throughout the bid process.
• Attend client meetings, tender interviews and site visits.
• Prepare tender adjudication documents and present recommendations to senior management.
• Support the successful handover of secured projects to delivery teams.
• Mentor junior estimators and contribute to the continual development of the estimating function.

About You

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within a UK main contractor.
• Strong background pricing refurbishment and construction projects.
• Experience working on projects including:
  • Cladding remediation and fire safety works
  • Residential refurbishment and regeneration
  • Heritage and conservation
  • Commercial office fit-out
  • Education and healthcare
  • High-rise residential developments
• Excellent knowledge of traditional, Design & Build and two-stage tendering.
• Able to interpret complex construction drawings and specifications.
• Proficient with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.

Desirable

• Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar.
• Knowledge of JCT contracts.
• Experience pricing projects from 2m to 30m+.
• RICS, CIOB or equivalent professional membership (or working towards).

What's On Offer

• Competitive salary & package.
• Ongoing professional development and chartership support.
• Genuine career progression within an expanding pre-construction team.
• Stable pipeline of secured work across building safety, refurbishment, heritage, commercial and residential sectors.