Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager North West | Building Contractor | Refurbishment & Fit-Out Projects up to £5m | Healthcare & Education I’m working with an established North West building contractor looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager to join its pre-construction team. The business delivers refurbishment and fit-out projects ranging from smaller works through to around £5m, predominantly across Healthcare, Education and other public-sector environments. Many schemes are delivered within live environments, with a growing workload secured through public-sector frameworks and repeat client relationships. This is a senior position suited to somebody who can take ownership of tenders while also contributing to the development of the estimating function and wider pre-construction team. The Role You will be responsible for: Managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission and handover Reviewing and interpreting tender documentation Carrying out site surveys and compiling accurate tender information Measurement and scheduling of construction works Preparing procurement strategies and tender programmes Obtaining and analysing subcontractor and supplier quotations Pricing direct works from first principles, including labour, plant and materials Identifying commercial risks and opportunities within tenders Managing tender queries, RFIs and clarifications Preparing for and attending bid settlements and tender adjudications Producing clear tender baselines and supporting documentation Ensuring an effective handover to the commercial and operational teams Building and maintaining strong supply-chain relationships Supporting framework opportunities and bid submissions where required Managing and mentoring junior estimators and apprentices Developing and improving estimating systems and processes Supporting resource, progression and succession planning within the department Working closely with the management team to support the business's longer-term growth plans What We’re Looking For Ideally, you will have: Around 10+ years' estimating experience within the construction industry A BSc/HNC or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying or a construction-related discipline Strong experience within general contracting, refurbishment and/or fit-out Experience pricing projects within Healthcare, Education or public-sector environments would be advantageous Good working knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts Strong first-principles estimating capability Excellent understanding of construction tender documentation Strong Excel and general IT skills Experience managing or mentoring other members of an estimating team Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to identify both risk and opportunity Strong communication, negotiation and organisational skills Full UK driving licence and flexibility to travel across the North West The Opportunity This is an excellent opportunity to join a close-knit contractor that places real emphasis on quality, collaboration and long-term relationships. The company offers a supportive working environment where people are trusted to do their jobs, encouraged to develop and able to maintain a genuine work/life balance. Package & Benefits Competitive salary 33 days' holiday including Bank Holidays Pension scheme Medicash scheme Potential opportunity for future shareholding, subject to qualifying service Supportive and collaborative working environment Genuine opportunity to influence and develop the estimating function Interested? If you’re an experienced Senior Estimator or Estimating Manager looking for a role with a well-established North West contractor delivering varied projects across Healthcare, Education and the public sector, please get in touch for a confidential conversation
Senior Estimator in Manchester employer: MK Consult
Join a dynamic and ambitious housebuilder in Warrington, where you will be part of a collaborative architectural team dedicated to delivering high-quality residential developments. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers competitive salaries, a generous bonus structure, and comprehensive benefits including family private medical cover and a pension scheme. This is an excellent opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working in a supportive environment that values innovation and teamwork.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Manchester
✨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 MK Consult, 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 Senior Estimator at MK Consult.
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 MK Consult
✨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!
