Senior Estimator

Bennett and Game Recruitment LTD; Leicester; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable recruitment agency is seeking a Senior / Lead Estimator based in Leicester. This role involves leading estimates for complex groundworks and construction projects, with responsibilities including mentoring junior estimators and preparing detailed cost estimates. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of relevant experience and a proven track record in managing large tenders. Benefits include a competitive salary and company pension contributions.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Company pension contribution

Private medical insurance

Clear career progression

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar estimating role within civil engineering or construction.
• Proven background in groundworks, civils, and concrete frame structures.
• Demonstrable experience leading tenders up to £50m in value.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates in line with company procedures.
• Develop and mentor junior estimators within the team.
• Identify opportunities and risks throughout the tendering process.

Skills

Leadership in estimating

Groundworks experience

Commercial awareness

Strong IT skills

Tender management

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Bluebeam

Estimating software

Job description

Bennett & Game Recruitment are working in partnership with a well-established and reputable specialist contractor to recruit a Senior / Lead Estimator. This is a key role within the business, responsible for leading estimates across demolition and construction projects, with a focus on complex groundworks, civils, and concrete structures. The successful candidate will report directly to the Preconstruction Director and will take a lead role in managing multiple tenders, ensuring commercially sound and competitive submissions that align with the company's strategic goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates in line with company procedures.
• Develop and mentor junior estimators within the team.
• Identify opportunities and risks throughout the tendering process.
• Collaborate with the Bid Manager and Planner to develop tender methodology and strategy.
• Produce clarifications and exclusions to accompany pricing documents.
• Liaise with site teams to ensure estimates reflect current methods and costs.
• Present estimates and key assumptions at internal adjudication meetings.
• Support client negotiations and amend authority documentation as required.
• Manage tender handovers and provide ongoing commercial support to project delivery teams.
• Maintain clear documentation for estimating processes and adjudications.
• Play a key role in developing win strategies alongside operational and preconstruction teams.

Key Relationships

• Estimating & Preconstruction Team
• Operations / Delivery Teams
• Supply Chain Partners

Requirements

• Minimum 10 years of experience in a similar estimating role within civil engineering or construction.
• Proven background in groundworks, civils, and concrete frame structures.
• Demonstrable experience leading tenders up to £50m in value.
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Excel, Bluebeam, and estimating software.
• Commercially astute with the ability to balance feasibility and profitability in submissions.
• Experience with demolition and construction projects in Central London.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Competitive salary (depending on experience)
• Company pension contribution
• Private medical insurance
• Clear career progression with a forward-thinking contractor

Bennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.

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