Senior Estimator: Residential Development & Tender Strategy

Wates Group; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Residential is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost planning and tender submissions across residential developments in the South Region. You will drive pricing strategies, manage tender processes, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with Commercial, Land, Design and Delivery teams to win high-quality projects.

A strong track record in estimating for residential construction and experience with cost databases and benchmarking is required.

Qualifications

• Proven estimating experience within residential construction, housebuilding or development.
• Strong knowledge of tendering, cost planning and procurement processes.
• Experience preparing complex cost plans and managing multiple tenders simultaneously.
• Excellent understanding of construction methodologies, materials and market trends.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to challenge, influence and contribute to commercial decision-making.
• Experience using estimating and cost planning software.
• A proactive approach with a keen eye for detail and accuracy.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of accurate cost plans and competitive tender submissions across residential developments.
• Manage the tender process, including tender reviews, settlement meetings and commercial sign-off.
• Develop pricing strategies in collaboration with Commercial and Pre-Construction teams.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and supply chain partners, ensuring robust market testing and benchmarking.
• Assess project risks, opportunities and value engineering proposals to support winning bids.
• Produce first-principles estimates and validate supply chain pricing data.
• Support the development and maintenance of cost databases and benchmarking information.
• Work collaboratively with internal stakeholders to ensure cost plans align with project objectives, programme requirements and delivery strategies.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior members of the estimating team where required.

Skills

Estimating experience

Tendering

Cost planning

Analytical skills

Stakeholder management

Residential construction knowledge

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Wates Residential is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead cost planning and tender submissions across residential developments in the South Region. You will drive pricing strategies, manage tender processes, mentor junior team members, and collaborate with Commercial, Land, Design and Delivery teams to win high-quality projects.

A strong track record in estimating for residential construction and experience with cost databases and benchmarking is required.