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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and mentor the pre-construction team while managing complex multi-million-pound bids.
- Company: Premier Main Contractor known for innovative and sustainable construction projects.
- Benefits: Salary up to £90k, comprehensive benefits, and a flexible hybrid working model.
- Why this job: Shape the future of construction with high-impact projects in London and the East of England.
- Qualifications: 8-10 years in a senior Pre-Construction role with strong technical and commercial skills.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence regional growth and bidding strategy.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 90000 £ per year.
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.
Lead Estimator in Saint Neots employer: Fetch Recruit
Contact Detail:
Fetch Recruit Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Estimator in Saint Neots
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for their work and how your skills align with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in pre-construction and estimating makes you the perfect fit for their team. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step!
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Estimator in Saint Neots
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Lead Estimator role. Highlight your strategic leadership and complex estimating experience, as these are key for us.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or achievements that showcase your technical excellence and commercial acumen.
Showcase Your Software Skills: Since we value proficiency in estimating software, be sure to mention your experience with tools like Conquest or CostX. This will help us see how you can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team.
How to prepare for a job interview at Fetch Recruit
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Lead Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in complex estimating. Brush up on your figures and be ready to discuss how you've produced robust estimates for major projects. Prepare examples that showcase your ability to ensure commercial viability and competitive edge.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strategic leadership, so think about your past experiences leading teams. Be prepared to share specific instances where you mentored others or set best practices for tender submissions. Highlight how your leadership has positively impacted project outcomes.
✨Understand Risk Management
Risk and opportunity management is key in this position. Familiarise yourself with deep-dive risk assessments and value engineering solutions. During the interview, discuss how you've identified financial risks and opportunities in previous roles, and how you mitigated them.
✨Build Relationships
Your ability to leverage relationships with sub-contractors and suppliers will be crucial. Think of examples where you've secured market-leading rates or reliable delivery partners. Be ready to talk about how these relationships have benefited your projects and the company.
