Senior Estimator: Residential Tender Lead

Wates Group; Basingstoke; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Residential is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join the South Region Pre-Construction team. You will lead the estimating process from tender launch to settlement, developing robust cost plans and strategic insight to secure high-quality residential opportunities.

You’ll collaborate with Commercial, Land, Design and Delivery teams, manage tender reviews and sign-offs, and mentor junior estimating staff to drive winning bids while staying aligned with project objectives and

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.

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 relationships with subcontractors and supply chain partners for robust market testing.
• 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.
• Collaborate with internal stakeholders to align cost plans with project objectives and delivery strategies.
• Provide leadership and mentoring to junior members of the estimating team.

Skills

Tendering

Cost planning

Stakeholder management

Estimating software

Residential construction

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Wates Residential is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join the South Region Pre-Construction team. You will lead the estimating process from tender launch to settlement, developing robust cost plans and strategic insight to secure high-quality residential opportunities.

You’ll collaborate with Commercial, Land, Design and Delivery teams, manage tender reviews and sign-offs, and mentor junior estimating staff to drive winning bids while staying aligned with project objectives and