At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to turn customer enquiries into profitable project proposals.
- Company: Join Had Fab, a leader in bespoke steel structures for major UK infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to influence industry success.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on continuous improvement and collaboration.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while driving innovation and excellence.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating, strong commercial acumen, and team leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Are you commercially astute, detail-driven, and confident leading a team that turns customer enquiries into profitable projects? Join us at Had Fab as our next Estimating Manager, where you'll play a key role in shaping how we win work, manage risk, and drive growth across major UK infrastructure sectors.
About Us
Had Fab is a leader in the design and manufacture of bespoke steel structures for the power, transport, and construction industries. As a trusted supplier supporting the UK's 2030 net-zero targets and major infrastructure programmes, we're proud of our reputation for engineering excellence, quality, and innovation. Join a forward-thinking team where your expertise will directly influence how we deliver success for our customers and the wider industry.
About the Role
As Estimating Manager, you'll be responsible for converting customer enquiries and tenders into winning business proposals that align with Had Fab's technical and operational capabilities. You'll balance commercial awareness with practical delivery insight, maximising profitability while minimising risk. Working closely with the Estimating and Commercial Manager and the wider leadership team, you'll ensure our estimating function operates efficiently, supports strategic growth, and continues to uphold the highest standards of accuracy and professionalism.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Act as the main point of contact for all RFQs and tenders, assessing opportunities and allocating estimating work appropriately.
- Collaborate with the Estimating and Commercial Manager to ensure business capacity aligns with project schedules or negotiate alternative terms where needed.
- Lead, support, and develop the estimating team to deliver high-quality proposals on time and in line with company standards.
- Review customer order proposals to ensure commercial terms and contract conditions are acceptable and do not expose Had Fab to undue risk.
- Clarify and document all customer requirements, recording any exceptions and ensuring agreement is reached.
- Negotiate optimal commercial terms, covering price, payment, and schedule—to enhance profitability and cash flow.
- Manage project scope and variation orders to ensure accurate cost and schedule control.
- Maintain and update cost data within StruMIS, ensuring alignment with current materials, labour rates, and project types.
- Produce management information and analysis, including conversion rates, contribution margins, and loss trends.
- Contribute to monthly sales strategy and management review meetings, presenting estimation performance and improvement initiatives.
- Champion continuous improvement and promote a proactive, 'can-do' attitude across the business.
About You
We're looking for a confident and commercially minded individual who can balance technical detail with strategic oversight. You'll thrive in a fast-paced environment, enjoy problem-solving, and be comfortable engaging with clients, suppliers, and colleagues at all levels.
You’ll bring:
- Strong working knowledge of Microsoft Office and StruMIS ERP
- Proven technical understanding of fabrication and structural steel
- Solid commercial acumen, including financial awareness and contract negotiation
- Experience leading or mentoring a small team
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- A proactive, analytical, and solutions-focused mindset
Estimating Manager in London employer: HAD-FAB LTD
At Had Fab, we pride ourselves on being a leading employer in the bespoke steel structures industry, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive culture that values your contributions, ensuring you play a pivotal role in shaping major UK infrastructure projects. Join us in our mission to support the UK's net-zero targets while enjoying a rewarding career with competitive benefits and a forward-thinking team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimating Manager 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 HAD-FAB LTD, 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 Estimating Manager at HAD-FAB LTD.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimating Manager 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 HAD-FAB LTD
✨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!
