Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating function and manage tendering activities for exciting projects.
- Company: Well-established regional main contractor with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, supportive team environment, and long-term job security.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact in a growing company.
- Qualifications: Proven estimator experience with strong commercial acumen and leadership potential.
- Other info: Opportunity to shape the estimating function and drive company growth.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
A fantastic opportunity has arisen for an experienced Estimator to take ownership of and lead the estimating function within a well-established regional main contractor based near Croydon. With over 30 years of success across Surrey, South London, and the surrounding areas, this contractor has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality schemes. They operate across multiple sectors, with particular strength in new build social housing, and have a healthy pipeline of secured and upcoming work.
The Opportunity
This is a key leadership role within the business, reporting directly to the Managing Director and Commercial Director. You’ll take full responsibility for the estimating function, driving quality, consistency, and commercial success across all tenders. This role would suit a commercially astute Estimator who enjoys autonomy, can build strong relationships, and knows how to turn opportunities into secured work.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the entire estimating function
- Oversee all tendering activity from enquiry through to submission
- Convert opportunities into successfully secured contracts
- Engage with clients to fully understand requirements and tailor bids
- Collaborate with internal teams to price projects and develop programmes
- Provide value engineering solutions to enhance competitiveness
- Identify and mitigate commercial and delivery risks
- Strengthen and utilise the supply chain to support bid strategies
- Play a key role in supporting the company’s continued growth and direction
About You
- Proven experience as an Estimator within a UK main contractor
- Strong track record of pricing and winning projects (£1M+)
- Excellent knowledge of JCT contracts (Design & Build & Traditional)
- Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills
- Confident communicator with a client-facing approach
- Leadership capability or desire to step into a leadership role
What’s on Offer
- Competitive salary, tailored to experience
- A friendly, close-knit, and supportive team environment
- Long-term job security with a well-established business
- Real autonomy and the chance to shape the estimating function
- Opportunity to make a genuine impact in a growing company
Interested? This is a rare opportunity to step into a leadership position within a highly respected contractor and play a key role in shaping its future.
Lead Estimator in Purley employer: Arise Recruit Ltd
Contact Detail:
Arise Recruit Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Estimator in Purley
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals at events or online. Building relationships can lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Lead Estimator. Highlight your successes in previous projects to demonstrate your value.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Estimator in Purley
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 with projects over £1M, and any leadership roles you've had. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the Lead Estimator role. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led estimating functions or secured contracts in the past. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, emphasise your strong commercial skills and negotiation experience. We’re looking for someone who can turn opportunities into secured work, so don’t hold back on sharing your successes in this area!
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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our friendly, close-knit team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Arise Recruit Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Estimator, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in pricing and winning projects. Brush up on your past projects, especially those over £1M, and be ready to discuss how you approached the estimating process, including any challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with the contractor's recent projects, particularly in social housing. This will not only show your interest but also help you tailor your responses to align with their values and project types during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves leading the estimating function, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've successfully managed teams or projects, and how you can drive quality and consistency in tenders.
✨Engage with Real Scenarios
Prepare for situational questions that may ask how you would handle specific estimating challenges or client interactions. Think about how you would engage with clients to understand their requirements and how you would mitigate risks in a tendering process.