Senior Estimator

Laing O'Rourke; Manchester; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is seeking a Senior Estimator for a project-based role in Sale, Manchester. You will own estimating processes, provide commercial insight, and add value through innovative digital engineering and technical expertise.

The role interfaces across the business and with external stakeholders to support successful work winning. Key responsibilities include leading the estimating function, driving profitability, and managing bids from inception through handover to delivery teams, with

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing estimates from inception through submission, post-tender, award and handover.
• Ability to lead bids and provide commercial insight to improve profitability.
• Experience with Digital Engineering and DE tools is beneficial.

Responsibilities

• Secure profitable opportunities by preparing high-quality bids aligned with LOR requirements.
• Lead estimating function across bids and mentor less complex tenders.
• Drive value propositions including Self Delivery, Digital Engineering and DfMA.
• Utilise estimating software to promote efficiency and consistency.
• Incorporate lessons learned from live and completed projects.
• Collaborate with Design, Commercial, Engineering, DE, Procurement, Planning, HS&E and EnEx throughout the process.
• Ensure bids undergo formal adjudication and post-tender negotiations.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Independence & initiative

HNC or degree in Construction/CivilEng

Professional membership knowledge

End-to-end estimating experience

Education

HNC or degree in Construction or Civil Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Digital Engineering tools

Pricing & cost planning tools

Job description

Location: Sale, Manchester / Project-based

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to secure and develop a strong, profitable workstream for the business. The role has full responsibility for estimating processes, providing expert commercial insight, and adding value through innovative solutions, digital engineering, and technical expertise. You will interface confidently across the business and with external stakeholders to support successful work winning.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure profitable opportunities by preparing high-quality, timely, and competitive bids aligned with LOR Group requirements


• Lead the estimating function across bids, taking ownership of less complex tenders and supporting large or complex projects


• Drive the value proposition across opportunities, including Self Delivery, Digital Engineering (DE), and DfMA initiatives


• Utilise estimating software and Digital Engineering tools to promote efficiency and consistency


• Apply lessons learned and feedback from live and recently completed projects


• Promote innovation and competitiveness through engagement with Engineering Excellence


• Engage collaboratively with Design, Commercial, Engineering, DE, Procurement, Planning, HS&E, and EnEx.G throughout the work-winning process

Key Deliverables & Accountabilities

• Preparation of major prime cost estimates


• Team leadership in prime cost evaluation


• Commercial analysis of subcontractor quotations


• Advice on risk, qualification, and margin finalisation


• Ensure all bids are subject to formal adjudication


• Successful post-tender negotiations

Technical Capabilities

• Advanced
  
  
  
  • Procurement strategies and mechanisms
  
  
  • Package management and supply chain enquiry management
  
  
  
  


• Expert
  
  
  
  • Pricing, cost planning, and net prime cost forecasting
  
  
  • Bid administration and management of the tendering process
  
  
  
  

Key Skills

• Essential
  
  
  
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  
  
  • Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities
  
  
  • Ability to work independently, use initiative, and plan ahead
  
  
  • HNC or cognate degree in Construction or Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience)
  
  
  • HNC / Degree in Construction or Civil Engineering
  
  
  • Progression towards professional membership (RICS, CIOB, ICE, IMechE)
  
  
  • Proven experience managing estimates from inception through submission, post-tender, award, and handover to delivery teams
  
  
  
  


• Desired
  
  
  
  • Previous site-based experience in an Engineering or Commercial role
  
  
  • Experience leading estimating teams through the bid processCommitted to team motivation, engagement, and maintaining a positive working environment
  
  
  
  

About Us

Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the-art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia. Certainty, reliability, quality - this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the 'Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all.