Head of Estimating Location: Potters Bar, Hertfordshire Salary: £90,000 - £110,000 per annum Sector: Construction / Main Contracting / Pre-Construction Employment Type: Full-time Reporting To: Pre-Construction Director The Opportunity Hill McGlynn are currently working with an established construction contractor who are looking to appoint an experienced Head of Estimating to join their senior team, based from their Potters Bar office. Reporting directly to the Pre-Construction Director, this is a senior leadership position with responsibility for the estimating function across the business, from early-stage cost planning through to final tender submission and handover. The successful candidate will set the estimating strategy, lead and develop the estimating team and ensure every bid submitted by the business is compliant, commercially robust, profitable and aligned with the company's strategic objectives. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimating professional with strong commercial judgement, extensive construction knowledge and proven team leadership experience to take ownership of a key function within an established contractor. A minimum of 10 years' construction estimating experience, including at least 3 years in a senior or management position leading an estimating team, is essential for this role. The Role As Head of Estimating, you will take overall responsibility for the estimating function, providing strategic leadership while remaining closely involved in the commercial and technical review of key opportunities and tender submissions. Key responsibilities will include: Leading the estimating function from early-stage cost planning through to final tender and handover. Setting and implementing the estimating strategy in conjunction with the Pre-Construction Director and senior leadership team. Managing, mentoring and developing the estimating team. Allocating tender opportunities and workloads effectively across the department. Reviewing tender documentation and establishing appropriate estimating and procurement strategies. Overseeing the preparation of detailed cost plans, estimates and tender submissions. Ensuring all bids are accurate, compliant, commercially viable and aligned with business objectives. Leading commercial and technical reviews of major tender submissions prior to sign-off. Applying strong commercial judgement to pricing, risk, opportunity and margin decisions. Reviewing subcontractor and supplier quotations and ensuring appropriate market testing. Maintaining a detailed understanding of current construction costs, supply chain conditions and wider market trends. Identifying and managing commercial, contractual and technical risks during the tender process. Challenging assumptions and ensuring appropriate allowances are included within tender submissions. Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design, Operations and other departments throughout the bid process. Supporting bid strategy and identifying opportunities to improve competitiveness and value. Leading or contributing to tender adjudication meetings and senior-level bid reviews. Supporting client meetings, tender interviews and negotiations where required. Ensuring effective handover of successful tenders to commercial and operational delivery teams. Monitoring estimating performance and driving continuous improvement across systems, processes and procedures. Developing estimating standards and best practice across the department. Providing senior leadership with accurate information to support strategic decision-making. Maintaining the highest standards of confidentiality, integrity and discretion when handling commercially sensitive information. About You We are looking for a highly experienced construction estimating professional who combines strong technical and commercial knowledge with proven leadership capability. You will ideally have: A minimum of 10 years' experience in construction estimating - essential. At least 3 years' experience in a senior or management role leading an estimating team - essential. A proven track record of winning bids on medium to large-scale construction projects - essential. Extensive experience managing tenders from initial cost planning through to final submission and handover. Strong leadership skills with experience managing, mentoring and developing Estimators. Excellent commercial judgement with a thorough understanding of construction costs, margins, risk and profitability. A deep understanding of construction methods, sequencing and buildability. Strong knowledge of current market conditions, subcontractor pricing and supply chain trends. Experience reviewing and challenging complex tender submissions. Strong understanding of procurement and subcontractor tendering. The confidence to operate at senior management level and contribute to strategic business decisions. Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder-management skills. Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities. The ability to manage multiple tender opportunities and competing deadlines. Excellent attention to detail and a structured approach to estimating and bid management. A high level of commercial integrity, confidentiality and discretion. A degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline. Professional membership such as MRICS, MCIOB or equivalent would be desirable. What's on Offer? Salary between £90,000 and £110,000 per annum, depending on experience. Senior leadership position based from the Potters Bar, Hertfordshire office. Direct reporting line to the Pre-Construction Director. Overall responsibility for the company's estimating function. Opportunity to set estimating strategy and influence wider business decision-making. Leadership and development of an established estimating team. Involvement in medium to large-scale construction opportunities. Close collaboration with senior leadership and multiple departments across the business. Significant autonomy and responsibility within the pre-construction function. Long-term career development within an established construction contractor. Interested? If you're an experienced Head of Estimating or Senior Estimating professional with a proven track record of leading teams and successfully securing medium to large-scale construction projects, Hill McGlynn would like to hear from you. For further information about the role, company and project portfolio, please apply today and a member of the Hill McGlynn team will be in touch
Head of Estimating in Potters Bar employer: Hill Mcglynn Recruitment Limited
Hill McGlynn Recruitment is an excellent employer for those seeking a rewarding role as a Welfare Labourer in Stevenage. With a commitment to maintaining high standards on site, employees benefit from a supportive work culture that values reliability and hard work, alongside long-term job security and competitive pay. The company fosters growth opportunities and provides a safe working environment, making it an ideal choice for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact in the construction industry.
Contact Details:
Hill Mcglynn Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating in Potters Bar
✨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 Hill Mcglynn Recruitment Limited, 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 Head of Estimating at Hill Mcglynn Recruitment Limited.
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 Hill Mcglynn Recruitment Limited
✨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!
