Senior Tender Estimator: Strategy, Risk & Value

Tilbury Douglas; Greater London; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car Allowance

26 days annual leave (+3 days option)

Private medical insurance (option for

Life Assurance

Defined contribution pension matched 8

Enhanced family leave

Volunteer days

Flexible and Agile working

Employee Assistance Programme

Professional membership fees

Perks at Work discounts

Flexible Benefits scheme including: CI

Job summary

Tilbury Douglas is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead high-quality tender submissions across multiple routes. You will work with preconstruction and operations to secure future workload, applying advanced construction and commercial expertise to price accurately and manage risk.

You will guide bid strategy, lead complex tenders, review site constraints, and mentor junior estimators while ensuring a robust handover to delivery teams upon award.

Qualifications

• HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in a construction-related discipline.
• Significant experience in analytical estimating across diverse sectors and projects up to and beyond £20m.
• Knowledge of procurement routes including traditional, partnering, Design & Build, and frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead complex tender processes and influence bid strategy.
• Proficiency in Conquest estimating software and strong Excel skills.
• Solid understanding of Building Regulations and industry standards.
• Experience in cost planning, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Awareness of BIM and ability to interrogate 3D design models.
• Strong commercial sense and risk management capabilities.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with high attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and lead a team.

Responsibilities

• Lead the appraisal of tender documentation, identifying risks, opportunities, and commercial drivers.
• Develop and agree bid strategies with senior management and the bid team.
• Oversee preparation and issue of enquiries, including supply chain engagement.
• Review site conditions and undertake site visits to identify constraints and risk factors.
• Contribute to design development and lead design team meetings when required.
• Prepare and manage Bills of Quantities and detailed cost estimates including preliminaries.
• Develop budgets and cost plans aligned with client objectives.
• Assess subcontractor quotations for cost and value, ensuring compliance.
• Lead management of technical queries to ensure pricing is well developed.
• Manage tender risk throughout the tender period and own the Risk Register.
• Drive value engineering during design, especially on Design & Build projects.
• Present tender submissions clearly, outlining commercial positions and risks.
• Ensure timely, compliant tender documentation and handover to delivery team.
• Mentor and develop junior estimators and support succession planning.
• Support business continuity and ensure team readiness.

Skills

Analytical estimating

Leadership

Communication

Excel

Tender strategy

Education

HND or Degree in construction

Tools

Conquest estimating software

MS Excel

Job description

Tilbury Douglas is seeking a Senior Estimator to lead high-quality tender submissions across multiple routes. You will work with preconstruction and operations to secure future workload, applying advanced construction and commercial expertise to price accurately and manage risk.

You will guide bid strategy, lead complex tenders, review site constraints, and mentor junior estimators while ensuring a robust handover to delivery teams upon award.