Senior Estimator

Red Rock Consultants Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 68,000 - 83,000; Full time

Job summary

Red Rock Consultants Ltd in London is seeking an experienced Estimator to establish and lead a formal estimating department. The role involves hands-on estimating, tendering, and shaping the commercial strategy of the business.

You will work closely with Directors and senior stakeholders to ensure accurate, competitive tenders and to drive departmental development and growth.

Qualifications

• Experience establishing an estimating department.
• Hands-on estimating and tendering across projects.
• Ability to engage senior stakeholders.
• Strong understanding of cost planning and commercial strategy.

Responsibilities

• Design and implement robust estimating systems, processes and procedures.
• Develop reporting and performance measures for the estimating function.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates and tender submissions across projects.
• Analyse drawings, specs and contract docs in detail.
• Identify risks and opportunities within tender documentation.
• Collaborate with directors, PMs and technical teams on tenders.
• Lead the transition of estimating responsibilities into a formal department.

Skills

Estimating

Tendering

Stakeholder engagement

Data analysis

Reporting

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Job Type: Full-time
Location: London
Salary: Up to £75,000 (depending on experience)
Reporting to: Director

About the Opportunity

I am working with an established and highly regarded construction business is looking to appoint an experienced and motivated Estimator to establish and lead a formal Estimating Department.

This is a newly developed position within the business and is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Estimator to take ownership of the estimating function and play a key role in shaping its future direction. The role offers a genuine career pathway into senior management, providing the opportunity to influence business strategy and make a significant contribution to the long-term growth of the organisation.

The company places considerable emphasis on collaboration, accountability and personal development. It has a strong track record of employee retention and progression, with a number of long-serving employees having developed their careers within the business and progressed into senior positions.

You will be confident working independently, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and capable of taking ownership of the estimating process from initial review through to final tender submission.

The Role

As Estimator, you will take responsibility for the development and day-to-day management of the estimating function, while continuing to undertake hands-on estimating and tendering activities.

Working closely with Directors, Project Managers, Business Development and technical teams, you will ensure that tenders are accurate, commercially competitive, compliant and aligned with the wider business strategy.

This is an ideal opportunity for an experienced Estimator who is looking to move beyond purely project-based estimating and take ownership of a department, processes and wider commercial strategy.

Key Responsibilities

Department Establishment & Leadership

• Design and implement robust estimating systems, processes and procedures.
• Develop best practice across estimating and tendering activities to improve consistency, accuracy and efficiency.
• Introduce modern estimating tools, methodologies and data-driven approaches.
• Develop appropriate reporting and performance measures for the estimating function.
• Take responsibility for the ongoing development and improvement of the department.

Estimating & Tendering

• Prepare accurate and commercially competitive cost estimates and tender submissions across a range of construction projects.
• Analyse drawings, specifications, schedules and contract documentation in detail.
• Identify commercial, technical and contractual risks and opportunities within tender documentation.
• Obtain and assess quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Work collaboratively with Directors, Project Managers and technical teams to develop effective tender submissions.
• Ensure tenders are prepared accurately, professionally and within agreed timescales.

Strategic & Commercial Contribution

• Provide insight and recommendations to improve tender success rates and profitability.
• Analyse estimating and tendering performance and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Assist in identifying new markets, frameworks, clients and business opportunities.
• Contribute to the development of the company's wider commercial and growth strategy.
• Use historical project and tender data to inform future pricing and estimating decisions.

Collaboration & Relationship Management

• Work closely with Directors, Business Development, Bid and operational teams to transition estimating responsibilities into a formalised department.
• Engage with clients, suppliers and subcontractors to develop relationships and secure competitive and accurate pricing.
• Communicate estimating information clearly to both operational and senior leadership teams.
• Present clear, evidence-based reports, recommendations and tender analysis to senior management.

Experience & Skills

• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, technical standards and relevant compliance requirements.
• Experience estimating across refurbishment, public sector, mixed-use or similar construction projects would be advantageous.
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contract documentation.
• Experience producing detailed and accurate cost estimates and tender submissions.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines effectively.
• Confident working collaboratively with senior management, project teams, clients, suppliers and subcontractors.