At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and build an in-house estimating function for exciting refurbishment projects.
- Company: Established refurbishment contractor with a focus on social housing and public sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression opportunities, and a stable work environment.
- Other info: Unique chance to shape the future of the estimating department.
- Why this job: Step into a leadership role and make a real impact on diverse projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in estimating and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager / Senior Estimator to lead and build an in-house estimating function for a well-established refurbishment contractor. You will take ownership of estimating across refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects (£500k–£5m+), working across social housing, public sector, education and heritage schemes. This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role, taking responsibility for tendering, bid strategy and building an estimating department from scratch.
The Opportunity
- Lead and develop the estimating function (currently outsourced)
- Take full ownership of tendering and bid management
- Work on refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects
- Operate across public sector, social housing, education and heritage sectors
- Work closely with senior leadership on commercial strategy and growth
- Introduce structure, systems and best practice into estimating
This role offers senior-level responsibility with clear influence over the direction of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage tender submissions for refurbishment and fit-out projects
- Lead estimating activities from first principles (tender set-up through to submission)
- Review drawings, specifications and contract documentation
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities
- Build and manage subcontractor and supply chain relationships
- Improve tender win rates and estimating performance
- Support transition from outsourced to in-house estimating
Requirements
- Proven experience as an Estimator / Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager
- Strong background in refurbishment, fit-out or D&B projects
- Experience delivering public sector, social housing or education schemes (heritage beneficial)
- Experience working on projects in the £500k–£5m+ range
- Ability to set up tenders from scratch, not just pricing
- Strong commercial awareness and technical understanding
- Ambition to progress into a Head of Estimating / leadership role
Why Apply?
- Opportunity to build and lead an estimating department
- Work on complex refurbishment and public sector projects
- Clear progression into Head of Estimating
- Strong pipeline across social housing, education and heritage sectors
- Stable, growing contractor with long-term opportunities
Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion.
Head of Estimating in London employer: Care First UK Recruitment Solutions
Join a well-established refurbishment contractor in the Crystal Palace area, where you will have the unique opportunity to build and lead an in-house estimating department. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, this role offers competitive salary packages and the chance to work on impactful public sector projects. Embrace the challenge of shaping the future of estimating while enjoying long-term career stability and progression within a supportive environment.
Contact Details:
Care First UK Recruitment Solutions Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating in London
✨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 Care First UK Recruitment Solutions, 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 Head of Estimating at Care First UK Recruitment Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating in London
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 Care First UK Recruitment Solutions
✨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!
