Senior Estimator

Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A well-established UK construction company is seeking a Mid-Senior Estimator to join their expanding pre-construction team. This role involves preparing competitive tenders for projects valued between £20m and £100m+. The ideal candidate should have proven experience as an Estimator with strong analytical skills, a good understanding of construction methods, and excellent attention to detail. The position offers a competitive salary and clear career progression opportunities within a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Clear career progression opportunities

Ongoing training and professional development support

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator with a main contractor in the UK or Irish market.
• Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement routes, and tendering processes.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and contract documentation.

Responsibilities

• Prepare competitive tenders and cost plans for projects valued between £20m and £100m+.
• Review and assess tender documentation for completeness and risk.
• Collaborate with design, planning, and project teams on preliminaries.

Skills

Estimator experience

Construction methods understanding

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Attention to detail

Tools

CostX

Job description

Senior Estimator (Mid-Senior Level)

Main Contractor | UK Projects £20m-£100m+

We are working with a well-established tier‑one main contractor with over 70 years' experience delivering high‑quality, sustainable developments across the UK and Ireland. The business has a strong reputation for innovation, integrity and long‑term client relationships, operating across residential, commercial, education, healthcare and mixed‑use sectors.

In the UK, the company is currently delivering landmark, high‑profile schemes, including large‑scale residential‑led developments with heritage restoration, mixed‑use high‑rise projects, and complex urban regeneration schemes in London and the South East.

Due to continued growth, they are looking to appoint a Mid‑Senior Estimator to join their expanding UK pre‑construction team.

The Role

As Estimator, you will play a key role in the preparation of competitive tenders and cost plans for projects typically valued between £20m and £100m+. You will be involved from early‑stage cost planning through to final tender submission, working closely with design, planning and delivery teams to produce commercially robust bids. This role offers excellent exposure to major UK projects and clear progression within a growing pre‑construction function.

Key Responsibilities

• Review and assess tender documentation for completeness and risk.
• Prepare take‑offs, quantities and cost plans (CostX or similar – training available).
• Break down tender packages and identify appropriate subcontractors and suppliers.
• Issue enquiries, analyse returns and undertake detailed subcontract comparisons.
• Identify gaps in subcontract pricing and manage risk allowances.
• Collaborate with design, planning and project teams on preliminaries, logistics and programme impacts.
• Identify and clearly communicate risks, opportunities, assumptions and exclusions.
• Contribute to tender reports, cost plans and commercial submissions.
• Develop value engineering and alternative specification options.
• Attend tender meetings, mid‑bid reviews and settlement meetings.
• Prepare clarifications and respond to post‑tender queries.
• Support handover and mobilisation on successful bids.

Skills & Experience

• Proven experience as an Estimator with a main contractor (UK or Irish market).
• Strong understanding of construction methods, procurement routes and tendering processes.
• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and contract documentation.
• Experience producing take‑offs, measurements and bills of quantities.
• Strong capability in analysing subcontract quotations and identifying scope gaps.
• Commercially astute with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Comfortable working with incomplete or evolving design information.
• Excellent attention to detail and numeracy skills.
• Highly organised, able to manage multiple tenders and deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and collaborative approach.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Clear career progression and long‑term development opportunities.
• Ongoing training, CPD and professional development support.
• Opportunity to work on major, high‑profile UK projects.
• Collaborative, forward‑thinking and supportive working environment.