At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead high-quality tenders and manage bid submissions for exciting construction projects.
- Company: Join a growing specialist contractor with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, and employee ownership after one year.
- Other info: Supportive environment with opportunities for professional development and career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in strategic business growth and project delivery.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating and bid management within the construction sector.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Estimator / Quality Bid Manager to join our growing team. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated individual to play a key role in both our estimating and bid management functions, supporting strategic business growth and successful project delivery.
Role Overview
As Senior Estimator / Quality Bid Manager, you will be responsible for leading the preparation of high-quality tenders, estimates, and bid submissions across a range of specialist construction projects. You will manage the full tender process from initial review through to submission, ensuring commercial accuracy, technical compliance, and compelling bid quality. You will act as a key point of contact for strategically important bids, working closely with estimating, commercial, operational, and HSQE teams to deliver winning submissions.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating Management
- Review tender documentation and assess project feasibility.
- Ensure all tender correspondence is recorded, tracked, and maintained.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets, bills of quantities, and schedules of rates.
- Produce first-principal estimates and pricing strategies.
- Identify opportunities, risks, and value engineering solutions within tender opportunities.
- Prepare and submit tender queries and clarifications.
- Manage subcontract enquiries and evaluate subcontractor submissions for inclusion within estimates.
- Ensure estimates comply with relevant legislation, industry standards, and HSQE requirements.
- Prepare technical and commercial information for tender submissions.
- Maintain detailed records of site assessments, estimates, and contract documentation.
- Monitor contract compliance against statutory and client requirements.
- Support and mentor junior estimators where required.
- Bid Management & Work Winning
- Lead and manage strategically important project and framework bids.
- Take ownership of bid performance, deliverables, and submission quality.
- Develop and implement bid strategies, win themes, and submission programmes.
- Coordinate contributions from internal departments and external stakeholders.
- Complete PQQs, SQs, tender questionnaires, and portal submissions.
- Produce high-quality responses covering technical, quality, HSQE, social value, carbon reduction, and environmental requirements.
- Work closely with estimators to develop technical methodologies and pricing strategies.
- Ensure all submissions are compliant, professionally presented, and aligned with client requirements.
- Manage tender information through Salesforce CRM and maintain bid documentation.
- Maintain and develop the company Tender Response Library.
- Support continuous improvement of bid processes, systems, and procedures.
- Quality, Compliance & Systems
- Maintain company accreditations including Constructionline, Acclaim, PQS, SafeContractor, and RISQS.
- Review and update company policies, procedures, RAMS, forms, quotations, toolbox talks, and related documentation.
- Update and maintain EMS and QMS documentation.
- Complete supplier and client prequalification questionnaires as required.
- Ensure all submissions and company documentation remain compliant and up to date.
About You
We are looking for a driven and proactive individual who combines strong commercial awareness with excellent written communication and bid management skills. You will be capable of producing high-quality technical submissions while effectively managing tender processes and supporting strategic business development activities. The successful candidate will be self-motivated, solutions-focused, and comfortable leading complex tender opportunities from inception to submission.
Essential Requirements
- Experience working within an estimating and/or bid management role in the construction sector.
- Experience managing or coordinating tender and bid submissions.
- Strong understanding of construction procurement routes and tender processes.
- Ability to prepare detailed cost estimates and commercial proposals.
- Experience producing technical and quality-based tender responses.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong report writing and document management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple deadlines and priorities.
- IT literacy including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and CRM systems.
- Good understanding of construction methodologies and Health & Safety requirements.
- Experience working with tender portals and online submission platforms.
Desirable Requirements
- Experience within concrete repair, structural refurbishment, preservation, or geotechnical sectors.
- Network Rail and/or National Highways tender experience.
- Concrete repair estimating experience.
- Experience managing junior estimators or bid team members.
- Knowledge of Salesforce CRM.
- Experience maintaining management systems and industry accreditations.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary
- Company vehicle or car allowance.
- Employee Ownership Trust (EOT) membership after one year of continuous service.
- Opportunity to play a key role in a growing and innovative specialist contractor.
- Supportive and collaborative working environment with opportunities for professional development.
Senior Estimator in Ripley employer: Big Fish Little Fish
Join our dynamic team in Ripley, Derbyshire, where we prioritise employee growth and a collaborative work culture. As a Senior Estimator / Quality Bid Manager, you will benefit from competitive salaries, a company vehicle or car allowance, and the chance to become a member of our Employee Ownership Trust after just one year. We are committed to fostering innovation and providing opportunities for professional development, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Ripley
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Big Fish Little Fish, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Estimator at Big Fish Little Fish.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Ripley
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Big Fish Little Fish
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
