Senior Estimator

Wates Group; Newbury; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Profit share scheme

Flexible working

Learning and development

Family leave benefits

Job summary

Wates Group in the South of England invites an experienced Senior Estimator to join our Pre-Construction team. You will lead estimating activities, develop robust cost plans and commercial analyses to support bids for high-profile public and private sector projects.

Collaborating with Supply Chain, Bid, Design, Commercial and Operational teams, you will shape tender submissions, negotiate outcomes and provide commercial insight to drive successful project outcomes.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within the construction industry.
• Experience producing detailed cost plans and managing tender submissions on medium to large construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, market pricing and commercial considerations.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills with internal stakeholders.
• Analytical, commercial and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to build productive relationships with Supply Chain partners.

Responsibilities

• Lead estimating activities across multiple tenders throughout the Southern Home Counties region.
• Produce accurate cost plans, estimates, tender analyses and commercial appraisals.
• Work closely with Supply Chain partners to assess market conditions and secure competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with Bid, Design, Commercial and Operational teams to develop compelling tender submissions.
• Manage estimating activities through all tender stages, including second-stage negotiations.
• Provide informed commercial advice to support bid strategy and decision-making.
• Utilise digital tools and systems to support efficient estimating processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement and share best practice across the Pre-Construction function.

Skills

Estimating experience

Construction methods

Cost plans

Stakeholder management

Analytical skills

Communication

Proactive mindset

Job description

We are looking for a Senior Estimator to join our Pre-Construction team, supporting the continued growth of our business across the Southern Home Counties.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping and securing high-profile projects across both the public and private sectors. Working closely with Supply Chain partners, Pre-Construction specialists, Bid teams and Operational colleagues, you will provide robust cost planning and commercial insight that supports intelligent bidding decisions and successful project outcomes.

As part of a forward-thinking and collaborative team, you will help drive our strategic growth by identifying and securing opportunities where we can deliver exceptional value for our clients and communities.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading estimating activities across multiple tenders throughout the Southern Home Counties region
• Producing accurate cost plans, estimates, tender analyses and commercial appraisals
• Working closely with Supply Chain partners to assess market conditions and secure competitive pricing
• Collaborating with Bid, Design, Commercial and Operational teams to develop compelling tender submissions
• Managing estimating activities through all tender stages, including second-stage negotiations
• Providing informed commercial advice to support bid strategy and decision-making
• Utilising digital tools and systems to support efficient and effective estimating processes
• Contributing to continuous improvement and sharing best practice across the Pre-Construction function

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within the construction industry
• Strong understanding of construction methodologies, market pricing and commercial considerations
• Experience producing detailed cost plans and managing tender submissions on medium to large construction projects
• Ability to build productive relationships with Supply Chain partners and internal stakeholders
• Strong analytical, commercial and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• A proactive, accountable and solutions-focused approach

Why Join Wates?

• Work on high-profile public and private sector opportunities across the Southern Home Counties
• Join a collaborative and experienced Pre-Construction team with a strong pipeline of secured and future work
• Clear opportunities for career progression across Pre-Construction, Commercial and Operational functions
• Flexible and agile working environment
• Competitive salary and profit share scheme
• Excellent learning and development opportunities to support your career growth
• Industry-leading family leave benefits, including 26 weeks fully paid maternity leave and 12 weeks fully paid paternity leave

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]