Bid Manager - Estimator - Quantity Surveyor in Kent

Are you an experienced Bid Manager, Estimator or Quantity Surveyor within any of the following sectors: Facades, Curtain Walling, Windows, Doors? Are you looking for a new, varied and challenging role, with the ability to commute to Tonbridge, Kent? If so, our established and well-respected specialist engineering and contract client, within the facade sector, is keen to hear from you.

The Role:

• Cost Estimation & Bid Preparation: Assess technical drawings, specifications, employer's requirements, and client briefs to produce accurate and competitive cost estimates for facade works including curtain walling, windows, doors, and cladding systems. Obtain and analyse quotations from suppliers and subcontractors for all material elements of the bid, including aluminium, glass, stone, and steel, as well as systemised facade systems (e.g., Aluprof, Reynaers, Schco). Prepare and submit complete bid packages, ensuring compliance with client tender return requirements, commercial objectives, and the company's quality standards. Identify cost-saving and value engineering opportunities in collaboration with the Precontract Technical Manager, without compromising design intent, performance, or regulatory compliance. Provide detailed cost breakdowns for internal review and, post-tender, support the delivery team's understanding of the bid commercial basis.
• Technical Compliance & Risk: Work closely with the Precontract Technical Manager to understand and correctly price the technical scope, performance requirements, and specification obligations for each bid, ensuring all assumptions are properly reflected in the estimate. Evaluate commercial and programme risks within tender documentation, including gaps in specification, onerous obligations, and interface risks, and ensure these are captured in the bid risk register and priced appropriately. Develop familiarity with relevant industry standards and regulations, including CWCT technical standards, Building Regulations, fire safety codes, and, where applicable, the requirements of the Higher-Risk Buildings regime under the Building Safety Act.
• Operational Coordination: Collaborate with the Precontract Project Manager to ensure that programme, access, logistics, and buildability assumptions are correctly established and that the associated costs (prelims, attendances, temporary works) are fully reflected in the bid. Coordinate with the Precontract Project Manager to manage bid timelines, meeting agreed internal deadlines for all deliverables including take-offs, supplier quotes, risk reviews, and document compilation.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Continuous Improvement: Engage with clients, main contractors, and consultants during the tender period to clarify requirements, scope, and programme, and to ensure the bid accurately reflects the project context. Lead the preparation and formal presentation of final tender submissions to external client teams and key stakeholders. Participate in post-tender reviews, prepare clarification responses, and support the handover of won projects to the delivery team with a clear summary of bid assumptions and qualifications.

The Person:

• Good working knowledge of systemised facade solutions, particularly windows, curtain walling, and doors, including key suppliers such as Aluprof, Reynaers, and Schco.
• Understanding of cost estimation principles, take-off methodology, and construction procurement processes.
• Awareness of industry standards and regulations relevant to facade and cladding works, including CWCT technical standards, Building Regulations, fire safety codes, and thermal and acoustic performance requirements.
• Developing familiarity with contract frameworks (JCT/NEC) and the commercial obligations of specialist subcontractors.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills, with the ability to independently produce detailed and accurate cost estimates for facade works.
• Excellent organisational skills, capable of managing multiple concurrent bids and meeting deadlines within a demanding tender programme.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to prepare clear and compelling bid submissions and engage confidently with clients and consultants.
• Collaborative and curious mindset, working effectively with the Precontract Technical Manager, Precontract Project Manager, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Proactive problem-solving approach with the ability to think commercially and identify practical solutions to bid challenges.
• Experience in a bid management, estimating, or quantity surveying role within a specialist facade or construction subcontracting environment (required).
• Demonstrable experience producing cost estimates and managing the bid process for facade or building envelope projects (required).

Qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs (Grade A-C / 9-4) or equivalent, including Maths and English (essential).
• BEng/MEng or BSc/MSc in Façade Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).

If you have the bid management, estimating or surveying experience our client is looking for, apply now for immediate consideration and in complete confidence. This is a permanent role, working alongside an experienced team, offering a basic salary of £45-£50K plus benefits.