Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive business growth through partnerships and lead the estimating function for accurate bids.
- Company: Ipsum is a leading provider of utility and infrastructure solutions, focused on customer service.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, career development, health support, and discounts on various retailers.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in your community while developing valuable skills in a fast-growing company.
- Qualifications: Background in business development or construction; electrical engineering qualification is a plus.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to equal opportunities and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
This dual-function role focuses on driving business growth through strategic partnerships and operational excellence in estimating. Responsible for identifying and opening doors to key target clients, building long-term commercial relationships, and supporting technical and contractual negotiations. Simultaneously, you will lead and improve the estimating function, ensuring the accuracy and profitability of all bids and tenders.
Principal Accountabilities:
- Strategic Partnerships
- Open doors with target clients across commercial, residential, and I&C sectors.
- Build and manage relationships with consultants, IDNOs, key clients, subbies and suppliers.
- Own the pre-sales process - handle tech queries, early design, and onboarding.
- Track kVA delivery and client activity to spot extra commercial opportunities or rebate schemes.
- Lead on contract negotiations (JCT, NEC experience) and push for client-favoured terms up front.
- Work closely with delivery teams to make sure handovers are smooth.
- Support bids with client insights, pricing direction, and win themes.
- Estimating Manager
- Lead the estimating team in producing timely, accurate, and competitive tenders for projects across the I&C and residential markets.
- Present estimates for internal review and board-level approval, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
- Refine estimating tools and processes to improve accuracy, speed, and profitability.
- Work with suppliers and framework partners to secure preferential rates and long-term pricing agreements.
- Facilitate cross-departmental collaboration to ensure estimates are deliverable and aligned with operational capabilities.
- Conduct thorough handover meetings with project teams to ensure clarity and accountability.
- Work with the commercial team to review CVRs vs estimates, and feed lessons learned back into future pricing.
- Track and analyse project completions against estimates to drive continuous improvement.
About You
Desirable Qualifications & Professional Membership(s): Qualification in Electrical Engineering or a related field (Desirable not necessary).
Desirable Skills & Personal Qualities:
- Background in business development or partnerships in construction, utilities, or infrastructure.
- Solid understanding of electrical connections, IDNO/ICP models, and kVA-driven projects.
- Experienced with JCT/NEC contracts and negotiations.
- Hands-on estimating or commercial experience.
- Strong leadership, clear communicator, good with people.
- Analytical mindset - focused on margin and performance.
- Confident with estimating and supplier pricing structures.
Skills & Personal Qualities:
- The ability to motivate and engage a team.
- Problem-solving.
- Strong decision making capability and strong implementation skills.
- High level of resilience.
- Good communication skills.
- Integrity.
- Critical thinking and problem solving.
- Adaptability.
- Flexibility.
- Team Player.
Your New Company
The UK's utility sector is ever evolving and expanding to meet increasing customer requirements. At Ipsum, our vision is to be the leading customer service-focused provider of specialist utility and infrastructure solutions, operating on both public and private networks. We are looking for someone passionate about the industry and supporting our teams in delivering essential services 4/7/365, making a real difference to local people and communities. At Ipsum, we are committed to supporting and developing our people to achieve their full potential. As a fast-growing and ambitious business, we offer opportunities to acquire a wide range of skills and gain broad and varied experience to help you progress in your career. Our investment in our people enhances our expertise and flexibility, enabling us to deliver the highest standard of service to our customers.
Our Benefits
We value our people and offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits, including:
- Career Development: Professional qualifications and accreditation
- Health & Wellbeing Benefits: Employee Assistance Programme with mental health support and access to counselling
- Access to 24/7 virtual GP
- Occupational Health support
- Tax-Efficient Benefits via Salary Exchange (Salary Sacrifice): Cycle to Work
- Group Personal Pension Scheme
- Option to purchase up to 5 additional days holiday per year
- Employee Discount Scheme: Discounts on hundreds of retailers, including supermarkets, mobile phone/broadband providers, gym memberships, and more
- Social Committees: Established local social committees with a calendar of regular social events
- Life Assurance Cover
- Flexible Working
- Long Service Awards
- Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities to volunteer and make a difference through local community projects and initiatives
Ipsum is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity.
Please review our Privacy Policy before applying to this advert to know more about how we store and manage your personal data under GDPR regulations.
Recruitment Agencies - Ipsum does not accept 3rd party candidate applications from Recruitment Agencies and as such does not recognize any speculative CVs or T&Cs that are sent to any Ipsum employee.
Strategic Partnerships & Estimating Manager employer: Ipsum
Contact Detail:
Ipsum Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Strategic Partnerships & Estimating Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network actively within the construction and utilities sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, and local meetups to connect with potential clients and partners. Building relationships in person can often lead to opportunities that aren't advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the latest trends and technologies in estimating and project management. Being knowledgeable about tools and software used in the industry can set you apart during interviews and discussions with potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience with JCT and NEC contracts in detail. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully negotiated terms or managed contracts in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Showcase your leadership skills by discussing any past experiences where you've led a team or project. Highlight your ability to motivate others and drive results, as these qualities are essential for the Strategic Partnerships & Estimating Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Strategic Partnerships & Estimating Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in strategic partnerships and estimating. Focus on your achievements in business development, contract negotiations, and team leadership to align with the job requirements.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for the utility sector and your understanding of electrical connections and kVA-driven projects. Use specific examples from your past roles to demonstrate how you can contribute to Ipsum's goals.
Highlight Relevant Skills: Emphasise your analytical mindset, problem-solving abilities, and experience with JCT/NEC contracts. Mention any leadership roles you've held and how you've motivated teams to achieve success in previous projects.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial for this role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ipsum
✨Research the Company and Industry
Before your interview, take some time to understand Ipsum's role in the utility sector. Familiarise yourself with their services, values, and recent developments in the industry. This knowledge will help you tailor your responses and demonstrate your genuine interest in the company.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Given the technical nature of the role, be ready to discuss your experience with JCT/NEC contracts, estimating processes, and electrical connections. Brush up on relevant terminology and be prepared to provide examples of how you've successfully navigated similar challenges in the past.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Strategic Partnerships & Estimating Manager, you'll need strong leadership abilities. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've motivated teams, resolved conflicts, or driven successful projects. Highlight your communication skills and ability to engage with various stakeholders.
✨Demonstrate Analytical Thinking
The role requires an analytical mindset focused on margin and performance. Prepare to discuss how you've used data to inform decisions, improve processes, or drive continuous improvement in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can contribute to their goals effectively.
