Lead Estimator

Job Title: Pre-Construction Manager / Lead Estimator

Location: East of England / London (Hybrid / Office)

Salary: £75,000 – £90,000

Job Type: Full-time, Permanent

The Company

Our client is a premier Main Contractor delivering flagship projects across the Education, Commercial, Healthcare, and Residential sectors. Known for their innovation in sustainable construction and modern methods of delivery (MMC), they have a significant pipeline of high-value framework and private tender opportunities. They are looking for a strategic leader to spearhead their pre-construction function.

The Role

As a Senior Pre-Construction Manager / Lead Estimator, you will be the bridge between the initial bid and the successful start of construction. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will oversee the technical and financial integrity of tenders, manage the pre-construction team, and act as a key advisor to the Board of Directors. You will take ownership of complex, multi-million-pound bids from inception to contract award.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Leadership: Lead and mentor the estimating and pre-con team, setting best practices for tender submissions and cost planning.
• Complex Estimating: Produce robust, first-principle estimates for major projects (£10m – £50m+), ensuring commercial viability and competitive edge.
• Risk & Opportunity Management: Conduct deep-dive risk assessments and identify \”value engineering\” solutions that offer clients better value while protecting company margins.
• Supply Chain Strategy: Leverage high-level relationships with sub-contractors and suppliers to secure market-leading rates and reliable delivery partners.
• PCSA Management: Lead Pre-Construction Services Agreements (PCSAs), managing design development, planning requirements, and site logistics before the main contract begins.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary technical contact for clients, architects, and consultants during the tender stage, leading high-stakes project pitches and adjudications.

The Ideal Candidate

• Proven Track Record: At least 8-10+ years of experience in a senior Pre-Construction or Estimating role for a Tier 2 Main Contractor or SME.
• Technical Excellence: Mastery of JCT and NEC contract forms and a deep understanding of modern construction techniques.
• Commercial Acumen: A natural ability to spot financial risks and opportunities that others miss, with experience in high-value public sector frameworks.
• Software Proficiency: Advanced user of estimating software (e.g., Conquest, Causeway, or CostX) and project planning tools.
• Professional Qualifications: Ideally RICS, MCIOB, or Degree qualified in a relevant field.

What\’s on Offer?

• Executive Remuneration: Salary up to £90k plus a comprehensive benefits package.
• Influence: A \”seat at the table\” where you can shape the company\’s regional growth and bidding strategy.
• Projects: The opportunity to lead on some of the most innovative and sustainable builds in London and the East of England.
• Flexibility: A senior level hybrid working model that respects work life balance.

Are you a Pre-Con specialist ready to lead a department? Apply now for a confidential discussion.