Senior Estimator: Structural Steel & Tender Lead

Reed; Tees Valley; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension

Free on-site parking

Paid annual leave

Job summary

Reed in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Estimator / Senior Estimator to help secure new projects and support the development of our business, delivering turnkey structural steelwork and engineering solutions across the UK.

You will prepare detailed cost estimates, review drawings, issue enquiries, negotiate pricing, and collaborate with procurement, engineering, and management to develop competitive bids.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Steelwork Estimator, Senior Estimator, or similar role within structural steelwork, fabrication, engineering, or a closely related construction environment.
• Strong knowledge of structural steel fabrication and erection processes.
• Excellent ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, architectural information, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify cost, contractual, and delivery risks.
• Experience obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence managing multiple enquiries and tender deadlines simultaneously.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to work effectively with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• Experience using SharePoint, tender portals, document exchange platforms, and file-transfer systems.
• Ability to work with 3D model viewers and formats such as IFC/NWD and software such as Navisworks.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed cost estimates for structural steelwork and turnkey projects, including materials, labour, plant, and subcontract packages.
• Review and interpret engineering and architectural drawings, specifications, 3D models, BOQs, pricing schedules, and other tender documentation.
• Produce accurate material take-offs and quantities to support tender pricing.
• Issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors, evaluate quotations, and negotiate competitive pricing.
• Collaborate with procurement, engineering, fabrication, project management, and senior management to develop commercially competitive bids.
• Identify tender risks, opportunities, exclusions, qualifications, and potential value-engineering solutions.
• Prepare and submit professional tender proposals, quotations, BOQs, and pricing schedules within agreed deadlines.
• Support post-tender clarifications and commercial negotiations with clients.
• Prepare clear cost summaries and handover information for successful projects and participate in internal contract launch meetings.
• Maintain accurate enquiry, tender, pricing, customer, and feedback records, including historical cost and benchmarking information.
• Ensure estimating and tendering activities comply with the Company's ISO 9001 Quality Management System and relevant internal procedures.

Skills

Estimator

Tendering

Costing

Drawings reading

Tools

Excel

Navisworks

SharePoint

Tender portals

Job description

Reed in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Estimator / Senior Estimator to help secure new projects and support the development of our business, delivering turnkey structural steelwork and engineering solutions across the UK.

You will prepare detailed cost estimates, review drawings, issue enquiries, negotiate pricing, and collaborate with procurement, engineering, and management to develop competitive bids.