A leading and well-regarded regional contractor is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction / Estimating Manager to lead its estimating, tendering and pre-construction activities. This is an opportunity to join a respected regional contractor in a key leadership position, helping shape tender strategy, strengthen pre-construction capability, and contribute directly to the business's ongoing success. 0.Reporting to the Managing Director, you will play a key role in assessing opportunities, developing competitive and commercially robust tenders, managing risk and supporting the company's continued growth. You will also lead and develop the estimating team, ensuring tenders are delivered to the highest standards, within deadlines and in line with client and contractual requirements. Key Responsibilities * Lead the preparation, pricing, coordination and timely submission of competitive, compliant tenders. * Assess new opportunities and advise the Managing Director on tender strategy, commercial risk and work-winning potential. * Develop detailed estimates, cost plans, pricing schedules and resource allowances. * Coordinate subcontractor, supplier and consultant enquiries, reviewing quotations and identifying value-engineering opportunities. * Work closely with design, commercial, operational and SHEQ teams to ensure tenders reflect buildability, programme, procurement and compliance requirements. * Attend client meetings, tender interviews and occasional site visits, building strong stakeholder relationships. * Maintain cost data, market intelligence, tender records and management reports. * Manage tender workloads, deadlines, approvals and structured handovers to operational teams. * Mentor and develop Estimators, Trainee Estimators and wider pre-construction personnel. About You You will have substantial estimating and pre-construction experience within a main contracting environment, with a proven track record of leading complex, medium to large-scale tenders. Key Attributes: * Strong commercial, contractual and analytical estimating skills. * A sound understanding of construction methodology, procurement, programming, resource planning and risk management. * Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation and stakeholder-management skills. * The ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality tenders to demanding deadlines. * Strong Microsoft 365 skills, particularly Excel, Word, Outlook and Teams. * Experience with Conquest or similar estimating software, and Asta Powerproject or equivalent programming software, would be advantageous. Relevant construction qualifications and professional accreditation are desirable
Estimating Manager in Cardiff employer: Involve Recruitment
Join our dynamic team as a Fabricator/Welder, where you'll enjoy a supportive work culture that values craftsmanship and collaboration. With a blend of workshop and on-site projects, you will have the opportunity to enhance your skills while working on diverse fabrication tasks. We offer competitive pay and a pathway to permanent employment, making this an excellent opportunity for those seeking meaningful and rewarding work in a hands-on role.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimating Manager in Cardiff
✨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 Involve Recruitment, 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 Involve Recruitment.
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 Involve Recruitment
✨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!
