Senior Estimator: Bid Leadership & Value Engineering

Laing O'Rourke; Dartford; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Laing O'Rourke is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator for project-based work in Dartford. The role holds full responsibility for estimating processes, providing commercial insight, and adding value through innovative solutions and digital engineering. You will interface with the business and external stakeholders to win work.

Key duties include leading bids, driving profitability, and mentoring junior estimators, with a focus on prime cost estimates and post-tender negotiations.

Qualifications

• Essential: Proven experience managing estimates from inception through submission, post-tender, award and handover to delivery teams.
• Essential: HNC or cognate degree in Construction or Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience).
• Desirable: Progression towards professional membership (RICS, CIOB, ICE, IMechE).

Responsibilities

• Secure profitable opportunities by preparing high-quality bids aligned with company requirements.
• Lead the estimating function across bids and manage less complex tenders.
• Drive value propositions including Digital Engineering and DfMA initiatives.
• Utilise estimating software and Digital Engineering tools for efficiency.
• Provide estimating input into pre-bid submissions and PQQs.
• Liaise with clients and external consultants.
• Implement internal governance and core estimating processes.
• Deliver training for assistant and trainee estimators.
• Provide feedback to support team development.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal comms

Teamwork and collaboration

Independent work and initiative

Organisational and time management

Education

HNC or cognate degree in Construction or Civil Engineering

HNC / Degree in Construction or Civil Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Laing O'Rourke is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator for project-based work in Dartford. The role holds full responsibility for estimating processes, providing commercial insight, and adding value through innovative solutions and digital engineering. You will interface with the business and external stakeholders to win work.

Key duties include leading bids, driving profitability, and mentoring junior estimators, with a focus on prime cost estimates and post-tender negotiations.