At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the tendering process for diverse construction projects and shape project outcomes.
- Company: Employee-owned construction company with a strong people-first culture.
- Benefits: Autonomy in a senior role, collaborative environment, and opportunity to work on high-profile projects.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior estimators and influence projects from concept to delivery.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on meaningful projects while developing your career in a supportive team.
- Qualifications: 5-8 years estimating experience and strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Location: Oxfordshire (primarily office-based, with site visits)
The Opportunity
Benfield and Loxley are seeking a highly capable Senior Estimator to lead the commercial pre‑construction function across a diverse portfolio of projects. This is a senior, high‑impact role reporting directly to the Estimating Director. You will take ownership of the tendering process from early engagement through to submission and contract award, playing a pivotal role in securing work and shaping project outcomes. Our projects range from complex heritage refurbishments to technically challenging new‑build developments across multiple sectors. This role offers the opportunity to influence projects at concept stage, contribute to bid strategy, and work closely with senior stakeholders both internally and externally.
About Us
Benfield and Loxley are a well‑established, employee‑owned construction company based in Oxford, delivering high‑quality projects across Oxfordshire and the surrounding region.
- Heritage and listed building refurbishments
- New‑build developments (including education and sports facilities)
- Sustainability and carbon reduction projects
We are trusted partners to prestigious Oxford colleges and respected institutions, with a strong track record of repeat business. With a team of c.45 employees—including directly employed trades—we offer a collaborative, agile working environment where individuals can make a meaningful impact.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for leading and delivering accurate, competitive, and commercially robust tenders. You will act as a key interface between design, commercial, and delivery teams, ensuring alignment from pre‑construction through to handover.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end‑to‑end tendering process, including first‑stage budgets, competitive tenders, and negotiated bids
- Interpret drawings, specifications, and technical information to produce detailed and accurate cost plans and estimates
- Develop pricing strategies aligned with business objectives and market conditions
- Engage with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners to clarify scope, risks, and opportunities
- Identify and evaluate commercial risks, value engineering opportunities, and alternative solutions
- Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive pricing and reliable delivery
- Contribute to bid presentations and client interviews where required
- Develop and maintain cost databases, benchmarking data, and historical cost intelligence
- Mentor and support junior estimators, promoting consistency, accuracy, and best practice
- Ensure effective handover of secured projects to commercial and delivery teams
Experience & Track Record
- Minimum 5–8 years’ estimating experience within the UK construction industry
- Proven experience operating at Senior Estimator level or ready to step up with clear evidence of leading tenders independently
- Track record of delivering successful tenders across commercial, residential, or mixed‑use projects
- Experience managing tenders
Technical Knowledge
- Strong working knowledge of UK building regulations and construction methodologies
- Solid understanding of procurement routes (traditional, design & build, two‑stage)
- Proven experience working with JCT and/or NEC forms of contract
- Advanced capability in Microsoft Excel, including cost modelling and data analysis
Commercial & Professional Skills
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk, opportunity, and competitiveness
- Excellent analytical and numerical skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail
- Confident communicator with experience in client‑facing and stakeholder environments
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment
Qualifications
- HNC / HND / Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline
Other
- Full UK driving licence
- Chartered status (e.g. MRICS, MCIOB) or working towards accreditation
- Experience across both pre‑construction and post‑contract/commercial delivery stages
- Exposure to heritage, listed buildings, or technically complex refurbishment projects
- Knowledge of BIM, digital take‑off tools, or modern methods of construction (MMC)
- Experience contributing to bid strategy and win themes
- Experience in mentoring or developing junior team members
Why Join Benfield and Loxley?
- Employee‑owned business with a strong, people‑first culture
- Opportunity to work on high‑profile, meaningful projects in Oxford and the surrounding area
- High level of autonomy and influence within a senior role
- Strong pipeline of repeat business and long‑term client relationships
- Collaborative environment with direct access to senior decision‑makers
- Real opportunity to shape projects from concept through to delivery
Senior Estimator in Oxford employer: Benfield and Loxley
Benfield and Loxley is an exceptional employer, offering a people-first culture within an employee-owned construction company based in Oxfordshire. As a Senior Estimator, you will enjoy the autonomy to influence high-profile projects while collaborating closely with senior stakeholders, all within a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and meaningful contributions to the community. With a strong pipeline of repeat business and a commitment to sustainability, this role provides a unique opportunity to shape the future of construction in a region known for its prestigious institutions.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent work, especially in heritage refurbishments and new builds. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in what they do.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your past successes in leading tenders and managing projects, and don’t forget to mention your strong commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Benfield and Loxley, where you can make a real impact on exciting projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your relevant experience in leading tenders and managing projects, especially in the UK construction industry. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for Benfield and Loxley. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to influence project outcomes and engage with stakeholders.
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge:Don’t forget to highlight your technical knowledge in your application. Mention your familiarity with UK building regulations, procurement routes, and any experience with JCT or NEC contracts. This will show us you’re ready to hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it’s super easy!
How to prepare for a job interview at Benfield and Loxley
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong analytical skills. Brush up on your cost modelling and data analysis techniques before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've developed pricing strategies or interpreted complex drawings in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role involves engaging with clients and stakeholders, so practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare to share experiences where you successfully navigated client-facing situations or collaborated with teams. Highlight your ability to build relationships with subcontractors and suppliers.
✨Understand the Company’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with Benfield and Loxley’s portfolio, especially their work on heritage refurbishments and new-build developments. Being able to discuss their projects and how your experience aligns with their needs will show that you're genuinely interested in the role and the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about UK building regulations, procurement routes, and contract forms like JCT and NEC. Brush up on these topics and be prepared to explain how your technical knowledge has contributed to successful tenders in your previous roles.
