Senior Estimator

Allied Site Services Ltd; West Malling; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction services provider based in West Malling is seeking a Senior Estimator for full-time permanent employment. The role involves preparing detailed cost estimates, leading the tender process, and collaborating with project teams. Candidates should have significant experience in construction estimating, a strong understanding of materials and labour costs, and proficiency in cost estimating software. This opportunity includes a competitive salary and the potential for professional development.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as Estimator/Senior Estimator in construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction materials and labour rates.
• Competent in cost estimating and take-off software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender documents.
• Manage the entire tender/estimation process.
• Evaluate project risks and include them in bids.

Skills

Cost estimating

Construction project knowledge

Risk evaluation

Cost control strategies

Collaboration with internal teams

Tools

Excel

Estimation/BQ software

Job description

Senior Estimator

Location: West Malling

Employment type: Full-time, permanent

Role Overview

As Senior Estimator you will take a leading role in preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates, bids and tenders for new build, refurbishment, fit‑out, industrial, commercial or mixed‑use construction projects. You’ll be responsible for reviewing drawings and specifications, compiling material/labour/equipment cost breakdowns, assessing subcontractor quotes, labour preliminaries and overheads — ensuring competitive yet profitable bids. You’ll also collaborate with internal teams (project managers, site teams, designers) to align bids with company requirements and project objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse project drawings, specifications and client requirements to produce detailed cost estimates and tender documents.
• Prepare bills of quantities, material take‑offs, labour and plant cost breakdowns, preliminaries, subcontractor quotes, contingencies and mark‑ups.
• Lead and manage the full tender/estimation process from initial enquiry to final submission.
• Liaise with subcontractors, suppliers, internal design and project teams to gather accurate cost data.
• Evaluate project risks (e.g. structural complexity, ground conditions, scope changes) and include risk allowances appropriately in bids.
• Maintain and update internal cost databases, benchmarking data and historical cost records.
• Contribute to commercial strategy — advise on pricing strategies, cost control, value engineering and profitability.
• Support post‑tender feedback and bid review, help continuous improvement of estimation processes.

Candidate Requirements / Person Specification

Essential:

• Significant experience as Estimator / Senior Estimator in construction (new build, refurbishment, industrial or commercial projects) — ideally with exposure to projects.
• Strong understanding of construction materials, labour rates, subcontractor costing, plant & preliminaries.
• Competency in cost estimating and take‑off software / spreadsheets (e.g. Excel, estimation/BQ software).

Desirable:

• Experience in civil, industrial or infrastructure-type projects, or groundworks/structural elements.
• Understanding of health & safety, contract preliminaries, risk allowances, value engineering.
• Familiarity with subcontractor and supply‑chain markets in Kent / South‑East.