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- Tasks: Lead the estimating function and shape commercial strategies for major contracts.
- Company: Howells Solutions, a leader in social housing and construction services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, family-friendly policies, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Home-based or hybrid role with opportunities for UK travel.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on business growth while leading a high-performing team.
- Qualifications: Extensive estimating experience in social housing and strong leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 120000 - 120000 £ per year.
Location: Home based or Hybrid, with UK travel
Salary: £120,000 plus package & £6,900 car allowance
Howells Solutions is seeking an exceptional Head of Estimating to lead our commercial estimating and tendering function at a strategic level. This is a pivotal senior leadership role, shaping how we price, win and mobilise major contracts across the organisation. If you are commercially astute, influential at senior levels, and passionate about driving excellence in tendering, this is an opportunity to make a significant impact on the future growth of our business.
About The Head of Estimating Role
As Head of Estimating, you will take ownership of developing robust, compliant and commercially competitive bids across a wide range of work streams, including Repairs & Maintenance (such as M&E and Planned Works), Central Government housing and support services, Decarbonisation and Net Zero programmes, and DLO support. You will shape the commercial strategy behind each opportunity, building cost models from first principles, driving value engineering, and ensuring risks and assumptions are clearly understood. Working closely with Business Development, Operations and Legal teams, you will influence strategic bid decisions and ensure our proposals support sustainable growth and margin protection. Your leadership will set the standard for commercial governance, pricing excellence and the continuous improvement of our estimating function.
Head of Estimating Key Responsibilities
- Lead the creation of high-quality commercial proposals tailored to individual opportunities
- Develop cost models from first principles and drive pricing strategy and value engineering
- Provide senior leadership with clear commercial analysis, risk positions and recommendations
- Partner with internal teams to shape strategic bid decisions and contract risk assessments
Head of Estimating Essential Experience
- Extensive experience in social housing estimating, including expert knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates.
- Proven ability to develop pricing strategies and deliver value engineering solutions.
- Strong track record in post-tender negotiations and contract award processes.
- End-to-end tender lifecycle experience, from pricing to mobilisation.
- Strong working knowledge of standard forms of contract
- Experience presenting commercial proposals at senior leadership level.
- Ability to manage multiple bids under demanding deadlines.
- Demonstrable leadership experience in building high-performing teams.
Desirable
- Experience at Head of / Senior Manager level within a large contracting or housing services organisation
- Familiarity with sector-standard estimating systems and analytical tools
- Professional qualification in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management
Key Skills & Attributes
- Strategic commercial thinker with strong influencing capability
- Excellent communicator, able to simplify complex commercial reasoning
- High numerical accuracy and attention to detail
- Proactive problem solver committed to continuous improvement
- Collaborative leader with a passion for developing people
Benefits
- Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and much more
- 25 days annual leave plus
Head of Brand & M in Belfast employer: Howells Solutions Limited
Contact Detail:
Howells Solutions Limited Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Brand & M in Belfast
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that dream job.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your skills align with their goals, especially in areas like pricing strategy and value engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience in social housing estimating and how you’ve led successful bids. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Brand & M in Belfast
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your experience in social housing estimating and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: This role is all about leading teams and influencing decisions. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership experience and how you've built high-performing teams in the past. We love a proactive problem solver!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language to explain your commercial strategies and successes. Remember, we appreciate excellent communication skills, so make it easy for us to understand your achievements.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Howells Solutions Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Estimating, you'll need to demonstrate your numerical accuracy and attention to detail. Brush up on key metrics and cost models relevant to the role. Be prepared to discuss how you've developed pricing strategies in the past and how you approach value engineering.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership capabilities. Think of examples where you've built high-performing teams or influenced strategic decisions. Be ready to share how you’ve led commercial proposals and navigated post-tender negotiations successfully.
✨Understand the Sector
Familiarise yourself with the social housing sector and the NHF Schedule of Rates. Research Howells Solutions and their recent projects. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in the company and its mission.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving skills and ability to manage multiple bids under pressure. Think through potential challenges you might face in the role and how you would address them, showcasing your proactive approach to continuous improvement.