Lead Estimator

Lead Estimator

Warrington Full-Time 43200 - 72000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead tender development and pricing for diverse engineering projects across the North.
  • Company: Join a dynamic civil engineering firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, generous holiday, and health benefits.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by leading estimating teams and shaping major projects.
  • Qualifications: Proven senior estimating experience in rail and civils, with strong mentoring skills.
  • Other info: Enjoy a supportive environment with opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.

Lead Estimator Sectors: Civil Engineering, Rail, Aviation, Power, Environment & Highways Locations: Warrington Contract: Permanent (UK) The Opportunity We’re seeking a skilled Lead Estimator to join pre-contract teams across the North (East & West). You’ll price a diverse portfolio of multi-disciplinary engineering projects and ensure tenders are commercially robust, competitive, and aligned to client needs. You’ll also provide leadership, mentorship, and guidance to regional estimating teams to support capability and growth. Role Overview Based from Warrington or Barnsley and reporting to the Regional Senior Pre-Contracts Manager, you will: Lead tender development and pricing for regional opportunities. Support long-term growth of the estimating function, sharing best practice and coaching team members. Manage regional contributions to the tender book and oversee inputs to estimating systems (e.g., Causeway). Coordinate with bid, planning, commercial and operational colleagues to deliver high-quality submissions. Contribute to strategy on major regional frameworks and national bids. Key Responsibilities * Own, update and distribute the regional tender pipeline/tender book. * Partner with Procurement to build and maintain a competitive supply chain. * Lead supplier and subcontractor engagement and feedback during tendering. * Mentor estimators; review and quality-check work, providing constructive improvement actions. * Review tender information for completeness and highlight risks, gaps or opportunities. * Produce quantity take-offs from drawings/specifications (traditional methods or Causeway). * Analyse and normalise subcontractor/supplier quotations. * Benchmark against historical data and apply first-principles estimating. * Develop construction methodologies in support of bid strategy where appropriate. * Work with tender planners to ensure programmes meet or exceed client expectations. * Prepare clear pricing documents and internal review packs; ensure senior checks pre-submission. * Identify and assess commercial and delivery risks; propose mitigations. * Prepare client-facing tender submissions and support post-tender clarifications. * Support smooth handover to delivery/commercial teams on award. Candidate Profile Proven experience in a senior estimating capacity (Lead/Principal/Head of) within rail and civils (multi-discipline exposure desirable). Track record mentoring and developing estimating teams. Experience working on major frameworks and national bids. Strong relationships with clients, suppliers and internal stakeholders. Excellent written/verbal communication and presentation skills. Proactive, collaborative leader who drives continuous improvement and consistency. Competent with estimating software (e.g., Causeway) and MS Office. What We Offer Competitive salary (negotiable DOE). Company car or car allowance. 25 days’ holiday plus bank holidays (with service-linked increase). Contributory pension scheme and life insurance. Health cash plan & employee rewards. Ongoing personal and professional development. A safe, supportive working environment and employee forums to share your voice

Lead Estimator employer: Bridgeman Recruitment Services Ltd

Join a leading employer in the civil engineering sector, where as a Lead Estimator based in Warrington, you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With competitive salaries, generous holiday allowances, and a commitment to ongoing professional development, this company not only values your expertise but also invests in your future, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
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Contact Detail:

Bridgeman Recruitment Services Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Lead Estimator

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the civil engineering, rail, and aviation sectors. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

✨Tip Number 2

Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers or during interviews, highlight your experience in leading estimating teams and managing tenders. Share specific examples of how you've contributed to successful projects – this will set you apart from the crowd.

✨Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Understand their values and how they align with your own. This way, you can tailor your responses to show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities waiting for talented individuals like you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that Lead Estimator role!

We think you need these skills to ace Lead Estimator

Estimating
Tender Development
Leadership
Mentorship
Commercial Awareness
Risk Assessment
Quantity Take-offs
Construction Methodologies
Client Engagement
Supplier Engagement
Estimating Software (e.g., Causeway)
MS Office Competency
Communication Skills
Collaboration
Continuous Improvement

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Lead Estimator role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention your leadership experience and how you’ve mentored others in estimating – we love that kind of stuff!

Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with estimating software like Causeway and MS Office. We’re keen on candidates who can hit the ground running, so let us know how you’ve used these tools in your previous roles.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Bridgeman Recruitment Services Ltd

✨Know Your Numbers

As a Lead Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in pricing and tender development. Brush up on your knowledge of estimating software like Causeway and be ready to discuss how you've used it in past projects. Prepare examples of how you’ve successfully managed tender submissions and the impact they had on project outcomes.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

This role requires mentoring and guiding teams, so be prepared to share specific instances where you've led a team or improved their capabilities. Think about how you can convey your collaborative approach and how you’ve fostered a positive working environment in previous roles.

✨Understand the Market

Familiarise yourself with the sectors mentioned in the job description, such as civil engineering and rail. Research current trends and challenges in these industries, and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to the company’s growth and success in these areas.

✨Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to handle risks. Prepare scenarios where you identified gaps in tender information or managed supplier relationships effectively. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses clearly.

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