Senior Estimator in Luton, Bedfordshire

Energy Jobline CVL; Luton; On-site; GBP 63,000 - 77,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

33 days’ annual leave inclusive of BH

Contributory pension

Life cover

On-site parking

PPE provided

Lifelong Learning Programme

Job summary

Energy Jobline CVL is seeking a Senior Estimator for a main contractor in Luton. You will price new build and refurbishment projects from £1m to £15m across multiple sectors, reporting to Directors and supporting junior colleagues in estimating, surveying and pre‑construction.

The role requires strong cost analysis, tender preparation, and experience with tenders, taking-off and active cost saving across the bid process.

Qualifications

• Experience estimating new build and refurbishment projects for a main contractor.
• Qualification in construction management, quantity surveying or related subject would be useful but not essential.
• Full, clean UK driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for new build and refurbishment projects across sectors.
• Manage pre-qualification, quality and pre-bid submissions.
• Work with the bid team to prepare competitive tender submissions.
• Complete cost analysis and check estimates for accuracy.
• Obtain and compare quotations from suppliers and subcontractors; negotiate terms.
• Identify project risks and suggest practical mitigations.

Skills

Estimating software

Taking-off

Tendering experience

Construction methods

Communication

Pricing experience

Education

Degree in construction management or QS (not essential)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Senior Construction Estimator – Main Contractor

Up to £70,000 + car allowance | Luton, Bedfordshire | Main contractor | Office based

Senior Construction Estimator – Benefits

• Salary up to £70,000, dependent on experience
• Car allowance
• 33 days’ annual leave inclusive of bank holidays
• Contributory pension and non-contributory life cover
• On-site parking and all necessary PPE provided
• Continued professional development through the Group Lifelong Learning Programme

Senior Construction Estimator – The Role

A well-established family-owned main contractor in Luton is looking for a Senior Estimator to join its pre-construction team. You will price new build and refurbishment projects from £1 million to £15 million across the commercial, education, industrial, heritage and leisure sectors.

The company has been trading for over 150 years and has a strong pipeline of regional work across Bedfordshire, the Home Counties, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Oxfordshire and North London. This is a stable, long‑term opportunity with a varied mix of tenders and projects.

Reporting to the Directors and working closely with the Pre‑Construction Manager, you will prepare cost plans and tender submissions, manage subcontractor enquiries and help support junior colleagues across estimating, surveying and pre‑construction.

Senior Construction Estimator – Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for new build and refurbishment projects in the commercial, education, industrial and leisure sectors
• Manage pre‑qualification, quality and pre‑bid submissions
• Work with the bid team to prepare competitive tender submissions
• Complete cost analysis and check estimates for accuracy
• Obtain and compare quotations from suppliers and subcontractors, build good working relationships and negotiate terms
• Identify project risks and suggest practical ways to manage them
• Maintain organised and comprehensive documentation of all estimating activities
• Look for cost savings and added value throughout the tender process
• Work closely with the Managing Estimator and wider pre‑construction team
• Support junior members of the estimating, surveying and pre‑construction team

Senior Construction Estimator – Skills and Experience

• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials and current industry practice
• Experience of pricing projects, including single and two‑stage tenders and negotiated opportunities
• Proficient in relevant estimating software and the Microsoft Office suite
• Clear written and verbal communication, with the confidence to explain estimates to colleagues, clients and subcontractors
• Experience of producing competitive tenders that have converted into secured work
• Taking‑off experience

Qualifications and Requirements

You should have experience estimating new build and refurbishment projects for a main contractor. A qualification in construction management, quantity surveying or a related subject would be useful but is not essential.

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in construction management, quantity surveying or a related field ( but not essential)
• Full, clean UK driving licence

Security Vetting and Right to Work

Some projects are delivered in regulated and security‑sensitive environments. Applicants must have the full right to work in the UK, have been continuously in the UK for at least five years and be willing to complete DBS, BPSS or other client‑led security checks where required.

Hours and Location

This is a full‑time, office‑based role in Luton, Bedfordshire. Standard working hours are 8.30am to 5.30pm, Monday to Friday.

The business is an Equal Opportunities Employer and a member of the Equality Register, ‘Committed 2 Equality