At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating team for structural steelwork and pipework projects, ensuring accurate bids.
- Company: Join a dynamic fabrication company in Grimsby with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive PAYE contract with opportunities for renewal and career growth.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that values your unique skills and experiences.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading projects and collaborating with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in estimating and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 € per year.
This role leads the estimating function for structural steelwork and pipework projects, ensuring accurate, competitive bids aligned with operational delivery and commercial objectives. The successful candidate will combine strong technical estimating capability with leadership and stakeholder engagement.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead and support the estimating team to deliver accurate and timely bids
- Assign work, prioritise workload, and report progress to management
- Review tender documentation to identify risks, opportunities, and scope gaps
- Support pricing strategy and bid adjudication with senior management
- Prepare detailed cost estimates including labour, materials, equipment, subcontract and indirects
- Produce quantity take-offs for structural/plating works (primary) and piping (secondary)
- Interpret drawings, specifications, isometrics, and MTOs for estimate development
- Prepare and issue RFQs to subcontractors and evaluate returns
- Define bid strategies including execution approach, schedule, and subcontract requirements
- Attend site walkdowns to understand scope and constraints
- Compile proposal documentation and coordinate internal estimate reviews
- Work closely with fabrication and project teams on workload and execution planning
- Compile handover work packs for awarded projects
- Lead estimating meetings and provide monthly reporting to management
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors
Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior or lead estimating role within fabrication
- Experience leading or mentoring estimating teams and managing bid workloads
- Strong commercial understanding of fabrication projects (shop and site)
- Ability to interpret drawings/specifications and develop accurate cost estimates
- Strong experience in structural/plating fabrication estimating (primary discipline)
- Working knowledge of piping estimating principles (secondary), including isometrics and MTOs
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and resourceful
- Understanding of project execution planning and scheduling principles
- Knowledge of mechanical and structural disciplines, including piping experience (desirable)
The next step: We have an exceptional team in place, and we are pleased to be able to appoint a further person to our growing business. We are aware that you may not ‘tick all the boxes’, but if you believe you can genuinely offer some valuable skills and experience to our business, please in the first instance contact our recruitment partner Airswift.
Lead Estimator employer: Airswift
As a leading employer in the fabrication sector, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and innovative work culture in Grimsby. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages leadership development. Join us to be part of a dynamic team where your contributions are valued, and you can make a meaningful impact on exciting structural steelwork and pipework projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and understanding their projects. Tailor your responses to show how your skills in estimating and leadership align with their needs. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply and wait! Follow up on your applications. A quick email to express your continued interest can set you apart from other candidates. We love seeing proactive applicants!
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply directly! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team and contributing to our success.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. Highlight your estimating experience, especially in structural steelwork and pipework, to show us you’re the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to tell us why you’re passionate about this role. Share specific examples of your leadership in estimating teams and how you've successfully managed bids in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills:Don’t forget to mention your proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word, as well as your ability to interpret drawings and specifications. We want to see how your technical skills align with our needs!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Airswift
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong technical estimating capability. Brush up on your cost estimation skills and be ready to discuss how you approach pricing strategies. Prepare examples of past bids you've worked on, highlighting your accuracy and competitiveness.
✨Understand the Project Scope
Familiarise yourself with structural steelwork and pipework projects. Review any relevant drawings or specifications beforehand so you can speak confidently about interpreting them. This will show your potential employer that you’re detail-oriented and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading an estimating team, be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and managing workloads. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, focusing on your communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare thoughtful questions about the company’s estimating processes, team dynamics, and project execution planning. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company is the right fit for you.
