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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the creation of a new estimating function and manage tender submissions for high-end projects.
- Company: Highly respected super-prime main contractor in central London.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, pension, and long-term career progression.
- Why this job: Unique opportunity to shape a new department and influence project pricing strategies.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in high-end construction estimating and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Direct access to business owners and potential for significant career growth.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
The Business
Our client is a highly respected super-prime main contractor delivering some of the finest private residential and mixed-use projects in prime central London and the Home Counties. The business is owner-led, quality-driven, and known for discretion, technical excellence, and long-standing client and supply-chain relationships.
The Role
This is a newly created, senior appointment with direct access to the business owners. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the timely, accurate, and commercially robust production of tenders, while laying the foundations for a future estimating / pre-construction department. The role is both hands-on and strategic, working closely with the owners, design teams, and commercial team to shape bid strategy, pricing methodology, and risk management.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating & Tender Leadership
Take full ownership of all tender submissions from first principles. Produce accurate, detailed cost plans and estimates for super-prime projects. Manage tender programmes, ensuring deadlines are consistently met. Prepare clear, well-structured tender documentation and presentations. Review design information and identify risks, opportunities, and value engineering options. - Pre-Construction & Collaboration
Work closely with the owners to develop bid strategy and pricing approach. Liaise with architects, consultants, and design teams during pre-construction. Collaborate with the commercial team to ensure alignment on procurement and cost control. Support early project decision-making with robust cost and feasibility input. - Supply Chain & Procurement
Engage with a high-quality, established supply chain to obtain competitive and reliable pricing. Assess subcontractor returns for accuracy, scope coverage, and risk. Contribute to procurement strategy and package structuring. - Department Development
Establish estimating systems, templates, and best-practice procedures. Help define the future structure of the estimating / pre-construction function. Support the long-term development of the department, including potential future hires.
Candidate Profile
Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within super-prime or high-end construction. Strong background in first-principles estimating and complex tendering. Experience working closely with owners, directors, or founders. Commercially astute with excellent attention to detail. Confident communicator able to engage with designers, consultants, and senior stakeholders. Ambitious, self-motivated, and comfortable building a function from the ground up.
Why This Role Is Different
New department creation - a rare opportunity at this level. Direct reporting line to the business owners. Genuine influence over how the business tenders and prices work. Clear long-term progression into Head of Estimating / Pre-Construction Director. Highly respected contractor with exceptional projects and reputation.
Package
Highly competitive salary (commensurate with experience). Performance-related bonus. Pension and benefits. Long-term career progression and leadership opportunity.
Senior Estimator / Head of Estimating (Designate) - Super Prime employer: Jackson Young Ltd
Contact Detail:
Jackson Young Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator / Head of Estimating (Designate) - Super Prime
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, highlight your experience in first-principles estimating and complex tendering. Make sure they see how you can add value to their new estimating function.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their approach to super-prime construction and be ready to discuss how you can contribute to their success from day one.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always on the lookout for talented individuals who can help us shape the future of estimating in our exciting new department.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator / Head of Estimating (Designate) - Super Prime
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Experience: When you're writing your application, make sure to highlight your experience as a Senior Estimator. We want to see how you've tackled complex tendering and first-principles estimating in the past. Don't hold back on those impressive projects you've worked on!
Tailor Your Application: Make your application stand out by tailoring it to our specific needs. Reference the super-prime projects you've been involved with and how you can contribute to our new estimating function. We love seeing candidates who understand our business and what we’re all about.
Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate clarity! When preparing your tender documentation and presentations, keep things well-structured and to the point. This will not only showcase your attention to detail but also your ability to communicate effectively with stakeholders.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jackson Young Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you’ll need to demonstrate your expertise in first-principles estimating. Brush up on your cost plans and be ready to discuss how you approach complex tendering. Prepare examples of past projects where your estimates made a significant impact.
✨Understand the Business
Familiarise yourself with the company’s ethos and their super-prime projects. Research their previous work and be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their quality-driven approach. Showing that you understand their values will set you apart.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
This role involves collaboration with owners, design teams, and commercial teams. Think of ways to showcase your communication skills during the interview. Prepare to share experiences where you successfully engaged with various stakeholders to achieve project goals.
✨Vision for the Future
Since this is a newly created position, be ready to discuss your vision for establishing the estimating function. Outline your ideas for systems, templates, and best practices. This shows ambition and readiness to contribute to the long-term development of the department.
