Head of Commercial & Estimating in London

Head of Commercial & Estimating in London

London Full-Time On-site
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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

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Head of Commercial & Estimating in London 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.

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Contact Details:

DCS Recruitment Recruitment Team