Senior Estimator: Pre-Construction & Tender Lead

City Site Solutions Ltd; Thornwood Common; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

City Site Solutions Ltd is seeking an experienced Estimator/Senior Estimator for a combined estimating and pre-construction role in the UK. You will take projects from first enquiry through to secured contracts, pricing tenders, shaping early-stage cost and procurement advice.

You will work with directors, the design team, the commercial team and the supply chain to influence which projects are pursued and won, delivering buildable, on-budget solutions with clear risk assessments.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator with a main contractor, fit-out contractor or design and build contractor.
• Hands-on pre-construction experience, including cost planning, feasibility pricing and value engineering.
• Strong track record pricing fit-out, refurbishment or interior projects, ideally including high-end residential or commercial work.
• Ability to read and interpret architectural and technical drawings and specifications.
• Sound knowledge of construction methods, materials, programme and procurement routes.
• Strong commercial awareness with subcontractor and supplier pricing.
• Proficiency in estimating software, plus Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent communication and organisational skills to meet tight tender deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and tender submissions for design and build, fit-out, refurbishment and new-build projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documents, carrying out quantity take-offs and building up accurate cost plans.
• Price bespoke joinery and furniture packages, working with in-house and external specialists.
• Source, issue and chase subcontractor and supplier enquiries, then analyse and compare returns to secure competitive pricing.
• Identify risks, assumptions, exclusions and clarifications and make sure they are clearly set out in submissions.
• Provide early-stage budgets, feasibility pricing and cost plans to clients and the design team.
• Support design development, advising on buildability, programme, materials and cost implications.
• Lead value engineering exercises and propose cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality.
• Develop procurement strategies and packages, including early engagement of key subcontractors.
• Prepare pre-construction programmes and outline construction methodology to support tenders.
• Manage client and design team communication through the pre-construction stage, including cost reporting and updates.
• Attend client meetings, design team meetings and tender interviews, presenting pricing and approach where required.
• Assist with contract negotiation and the review of contract terms and risk.
• Handover successful projects to the delivery team with a clear cost breakdown, procurement status and risk register.

Skills

Estimator experience

Pre-construction experience

Cost planning

Value engineering

Reading drawings

Construction knowledge

Subcontractor pricing

Estimating software

Excel

Communication

Time management

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Excel

Job description

City Site Solutions Ltd is seeking an experienced Estimator/Senior Estimator for a combined estimating and pre-construction role in the UK. You will take projects from first enquiry through to secured contracts, pricing tenders, shaping early-stage cost and procurement advice.

You will work with directors, the design team, the commercial team and the supply chain to influence which projects are pursued and won, delivering buildable, on-budget solutions with clear risk assessments.