Job Title: Senior Estimator
Location: London
Employment Type: Full-time / Permanent
Salary: Competitive salary + car allowance
We are recruiting on behalf of a leading construction contractor for a Senior Estimator to join their preconstruction team in London. This role is responsible for leading competitive tender submissions and supporting the securement of profitable, sustainable future workload.
Role Overview
Lead the preparation and submission of high-quality tenders across multiple procurement routes. Working closely with preconstruction and operational teams, you will apply advanced construction knowledge, commercial expertise, and leadership capability to manage risk, drive value, and ensure accurate pricing throughout the tender lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
Lead appraisal of tender documentation, identifying risks, opportunities, and commercial drivers
Develop and agree bid strategies with senior management and bid teams
Oversee subcontract/material enquiries and supply chain engagement
Undertake site visits to assess constraints and risks
Contribute to design development and attend/lead design meetings
Prepare/manage Bills of Quantities and analytical cost estimates (incl. preliminaries)
Develop budgets and cost plans aligned with client/business objectives
Analyse subcontractor quotations for compliance, competitiveness, and value
Manage technical queries to support accurate pricing
Own and manage tender Risk Register
Drive value engineering, particularly on Design & Build projects
Present tender submissions at settlement meetings
Ensure compliant and timely tender submissions
Support handover to delivery teams post-award
Mentor and support junior estimators
Support Business Continuity Planning responsibilities
Requirements
HND/Degree or equivalent in construction-related discipline
Significant analytical estimating experience across industrial, commercial, education, healthcare
Experience on projects typically up to and exceeding £20m
Knowledge of traditional, partnering, D&B (incl. 2-stage), and framework procurement
Experience with Conquest estimating software and strong Excel skills
Strong technical construction knowledge (Building Regs & standards)
Cost planning, budgeting, and value engineering experience
BIM awareness and ability to interrogate 3D models
Strong commercial and risk management capability
Excellent numerical, analytical, and attention to detail skills
Ability to work independently and lead within a team
Strong communication and presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple deadlines under pressure
Proactive, professional, and solutions-focused approach
Commitment to CPD and mentoring others
Benefits
Competitive salary + car allowance
26 days annual leave (+ buy/sell up to 3 days) + long service days (3, 7, 10 years)
Private medical insurance (family cover option)
Life assurance
Pension matched up to 8%
Enhanced family leave
Flexible/agile working (role dependent)
Employee Assistance Programme
Professional membership fees paid
Perks at Work discount scheme
Flexible Benefits scheme (critical illness, dental, travel insurance, cycle to work, vouchers, leisure passes)