Estimator

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Estimator to join the Commercial team of a well-established specialist contracting business. This is a key role within the Pre-Construction function, responsible for managing opportunities from initial enquiry through to quotation, tender submission, commercial settlement and successful handover.

The successful candidate will have strong estimating experience within construction, fit-out, specialist contracting or a similar environment , with the ability to build accurate estimates from first principles and manage multiple live opportunities simultaneously.

The Role

As an Estimator, you will take ownership of the quotation and tendering process, working closely with the Commercial Manager, Quantity Surveyors, Technical and Operations teams to produce commercially robust and competitive bids.

You will be involved in both day-to-day quotations and larger formal tenders , with responsibility for ensuring pricing is accurate, commercially viable and aligned with the agreed bidding strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage incoming quotation and tender enquiries, assessing opportunities and ensuring sufficient information is available to price accurately.
• Challenge incomplete or unclear enquiries and obtain additional information where required.
• Manage live opportunities through the company’s CRM system and maintain accurate records throughout the estimating process.
• Produce detailed estimates in Excel, pricing labour, materials, subcontract packages and preliminaries from first principles.
• Review enquiry and tender documentation thoroughly to identify scope, risks, exclusions and commercial considerations.
• Liaise with internal teams, subcontractors and suppliers to obtain accurate pricing.
• Prepare and issue quotations directly to clients and manage subsequent follow-ups and feedback.
• Attend bid launch meetings and ensure pricing reflects the agreed commercial and bidding strategy.
• Work closely with Technical QS and Operations teams to establish accurate supply costs and preliminaries.
• Develop and maintain the Route to Margin (RTM) throughout the tender process.
• Prepare settlement packs and provide regular updates at mid-bid and pre-settlement reviews.
• Attend final settlement meetings alongside the Commercial Manager.
• Finalise pricing following commercial settlement and ensure submissions are accurate and complete.
• Respond to post-submission queries and clarification requests.
• Review tender outcomes and identify lessons and opportunities for future bids.
• Successfully hand over won tenders to the Project team, ensuring all relevant commercial and pricing information is communicated clearly.

About You

We are looking for an experienced Estimator who is commercially minded, detail-oriented and confident taking ownership of the estimating process.

You will ideally have:

• Proven experience in an estimating role within construction, fit-out, specialist contracting or a related sector .
• Strong knowledge of first-principles estimating, including labour, materials, subcontractors and preliminaries.
• Excellent Microsoft Excel and Outlook skills.
• The ability to review technical and commercial documentation and identify missing or inadequate information.
• Strong commercial awareness and an understanding of margin, profitability and commercial settlement .
• Excellent attention to detail with a high level of accuracy when pricing.
• Strong communication skills and confidence dealing with clients, subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders.
• The ability to manage multiple quotations and tenders simultaneously while maintaining strong organisation and follow-up.
• A proactive approach with the confidence to challenge information, pricing and scope where necessary.

Desirable Experience

The following would be advantageous but are not essential :

• Experience within the passive fire protection sector , including fire doors or fire stopping.
• Familiarity with Fire Risk Assessments (FRAs).
• Experience using HubSpot or a similar CRM system .
• Experience working on formal tenders, including bid launches, settlement meetings and post-submission clarifications.
• Previous experience working closely with Quantity Surveyors, Technical teams and Operations.