Head of Commercial & Estimating – Rainham, Essex
- £5,800 car allowance or company car
- Hybrid working – typically 1-2 days from home depending on business requirements
- Monday to Friday, 8:00am – 4:30pm
The Opportunity
We are supporting an established construction and building solutions business delivering refurbishment and new build projects across a range of sectors.
They are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Commercial & Estimating to take ownership of an established estimating function and lead its development across multiple business units.
This is a hands‑on leadership role, with the successful candidate expected to remain closely involved in tendering while also overseeing and developing the wider estimating function. The role will be approximately 80% hands‑on tendering and 20% leadership/oversight.
Projects span sectors including social housing, healthcare, education and commercial fit out, with values ranging from smaller works through to major schemes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the estimating function across multiple business units and sectors
- Prepare, develop and review detailed cost estimates for refurbishment and new build projects
- Manage and contribute to multiple tender submissions, ensuring accuracy and consistency
- Build strong relationships with internal stakeholders, operational teams and other business functions
- Manage, support and develop a team of estimators
- Drive improvements to estimating processes, systems and tools
- Support the business in securing new work across a range of project values
- Ensure robust cost planning and estimating throughout the tender process
- Remain hands‑on with complex and commercially significant tenders
- Provide leadership and strategic direction to the estimating function
- Identify opportunities to improve consistency, efficiency and commercial performance
- Contribute to the wider pre‑construction strategy and development of the business
What We’re Looking For
- Proven experience within construction estimating, building solutions or a similar environment
- Experience leading, managing or influencing an estimating function
- Strong hands‑on tendering and estimating experience
- Experience across refurbishment and/or new build projects
- Ability to manage multiple tenders across different sectors and project values
- Strong commercial awareness with excellent attention to detail
- Experience managing and developing estimating teams
- Strong stakeholder management and relationship-building skills
- Ability to operate at both strategic and operational level
- Strong communication and organisational skills
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites when required
The Ideal Candidate
The successful candidate will be an experienced Estimator, Senior Estimator, Estimating Manager or Head of Estimating who enjoys remaining close to the detail while also taking responsibility for the wider estimating function.
You will be confident managing complex tenders, reviewing costs and developing estimating processes, while providing leadership and direction to an established team.
Experience across refurbishment, social housing, healthcare, education or commercial fit out would be particularly relevant.
What’s on Offer
- 26 days holiday plus bank holidays
- Generous pension contribution
- Life assurance
- Training and development opportunities
- Opportunity to take ownership of an established estimating function
INDENG
DCS Recruitment and all associated companies are committed to creating a working environment where diversity is celebrated and everyone is treated fairly, regardless of gender, gender identity, disability, ethnic origin, religion or belief, sexual orientation, marital or transgender status, age, or nationality
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Commercial & Estimating employer: DCS Recruitment
As a leading firm in the legal sector, our client offers an exceptional work environment for Commercial Litigation Barristers, characterised by a commitment to high standards of quality and client care. Employees benefit from a culture that values diversity and inclusivity, alongside opportunities for professional growth through collaboration with experienced employment law advisors and senior leadership. Located in a vibrant area, the firm provides a supportive atmosphere where hard work and advocacy skills are recognised and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial & Estimating
✨Get to Know Your E-commerce Community
Dive into specific e-commerce forums and groups on platforms like Reddit or Facebook. Engaging with these communities can open up opportunities and give you insights into what companies like DCS Recruitment are looking for when hiring for a Head of Commercial & Estimating.
✨Showcase Your Skills with an Online Portfolio
In e-commerce, a strong online presence can set you apart. Create a portfolio that highlights any projects, case studies, or even personal ventures related to e-commerce. When you apply to DCS Recruitment for the Head of Commercial & Estimating, a tangible demonstration of your skills could make a huge difference.
✨Attend E-commerce Events and Conferences
Keep an eye on e-commerce conferences and workshops in your area. Not only will you gain valuable knowledge, but networking with industry professionals could lead to job leads. Plus, if you're keen to work at DCS Recruitment as a Head of Commercial & Estimating, rub shoulders with their representatives when possible!
✨Utilise Company Resources
Don’t forget to check out DCS Recruitment’s career page for any unique application processes or opportunities that might not be listed on job boards. Applying directly through their website might give your application a bit more visibility, especially for a Head of Commercial & Estimating.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your E-Commerce Savviness:When you're applying for an e-commerce role at DCS Recruitment, make sure your CV reflects your familiarity with online retail platforms, digital marketing, and user experience. Highlight any relevant tools and technologies you've used, like Shopify or Google Analytics, to demonstrate that you’re well-versed in the industry.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter should not just reiterate your CV; it’s your chance to showcase your passion for e-commerce and how it aligns with DCS Recruitment's goals. Mention specific projects or achievements that relate to the role, and don’t forget to express your enthusiasm for working in a dynamic, fast-paced environment where you can make a tangible impact.
Metrics Matter:In the world of e-commerce, numbers speak volumes. When detailing your past experiences, quantify your achievements wherever possible—like the percentage of sales growth you contributed to or successful conversion rates from marketing campaigns. This will make your application stand out and show that you're results-driven.
Tailor Your Application:Don’t forget to customise your CV and cover letter for the specific position at DCS Recruitment. Use keywords from the job description, and address the unique challenges the company may face in the e-commerce space. A personalised application helps us see that you're not just applying everywhere but are genuinely interested in being part of our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at DCS Recruitment
✨Show Off Your E-commerce Know-How
In a sector like e-commerce, having a strong grasp of current trends and technologies is crucial. Let’s make sure you’ve brushed up on key platforms that DCS Recruitment uses—think about popular e-commerce software, digital marketing strategies, and how these affect consumer behaviour. Being able to discuss these intelligently can really set you apart.
✨Portfolio Power: Showcase Your Results
For a full-time e-commerce role, it’s key for us to present a portfolio that highlights your results rather than just your tasks. If you’ve worked on campaigns or projects, bring examples that showcase your contribution and the impact they made—use metrics if you can! This helps to illustrate your value in a real-world context.
✨Technical Questions: Prep for the Specifics
Get ready to tackle some technical questions related to e-commerce analytics, SEO tools, or website optimisation. Think about any past experiences where you utilised data to inform decisions or improve sales. Being prepared with specific examples will showcase not just your knowledge, but also your practical application of it, which we all know is crucial!
✨Engage in a Conversational Style
Full-time interviews can feel quite formal, but try to keep it conversational, especially if you click with your interviewers at DCS Recruitment. Share your thoughts and ideas about the future of e-commerce, and don’t shy away from engaging with their questions openly. The more genuine and relatable you are, the better connection you’ll create!
