At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating team and manage major structural steel project tenders.
- Company: Established employee-owned structural steel business with over 40 years of success.
- Benefits: Negotiable salary, profit-related bonus, 33 days holiday, and flexible working hours.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on safety, quality, and career development.
- Why this job: Shape the estimating function while working on high-profile projects and driving growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating structural steel projects and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ per year.
Location: West Yorkshire
Salary: Negotiable, depending on experience
Job Type: Permanent | Full-time
The Company
This established, employee-owned structural steel business has been trading successfully for more than 40 years, with long-standing relationships with major principal contractors and a growing portfolio of high-profile projects. They design, detail and fabricate structural steelwork, with a skilled workforce that has developed many of its careers within the business. With further growth secured, they are now looking for an Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function and play a key role in turning new opportunities into profitable projects.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will take responsibility for both the commercial quality of tenders and the performance of the estimating team. You will:
- Lead and develop the Estimating team, setting clear targets and improving performance against departmental KPIs.
- Manage incoming enquiries and oversee the pipeline from initial opportunity through to tender.
- Price major structural steel projects yourself, with an expectation of personally converting a minimum of three enquiries per week.
- Build competitive subcontractor and subtrade pricing through negotiation and supplier engagement.
- Develop relationships with clients, contractors, engineers, architects and consultants, representing the business at pre-tender interviews and post-tender presentations.
- Report regularly to the Leadership Team on enquiry status, pipeline activity and commercial opportunities.
What They're Looking For
You should have:
- Experience estimating structural steel projects, ideally across 50-3,000 tonnes.
- Strong knowledge of building construction and a good understanding of structural and civil engineering.
- The ability to accurately interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Experience budgeting projects using commercial judgement and previous project experience.
- A strong understanding of structural steel costing and estimating processes.
- Experience dealing directly with contractors, engineers, architects and consultants.
- Experience reviewing Tekla models to assess the constructability of structures.
- Strong commercial awareness, including value engineering and identifying practical solutions to project challenges.
- Previous line management experience and the ability to develop an estimating team.
- Strong communication and presentation skills, with the confidence to deal with both internal and external stakeholders.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Project.
- An HNC/BSc in Building Studies or a similar discipline would be advantageous.
- MCIOB or RICS chartership would be beneficial but is not essential.
- Structural steel design experience would also be advantageous, but is not essential.
Why This Role?
This is more than a senior estimating position. You will have the opportunity to shape and develop an entire estimating function, while still remaining commercially involved in major tenders yourself. The business has secured further high-profile projects and has strategic growth plans in place, meaning the estimating team will play a significant role in determining what work comes through the door and how successfully it is converted. You’ll be joining an employee-owned business with a strong focus on safety, compliance, quality and people, alongside a workforce where many employees have developed their careers internally.
The package includes:
- Negotiable salary depending on experience
- Profit-related bonus scheme
- 33 days' holiday, including bank holidays
- Flexi-time
- Contributory pension - 3% employee / 5% company
- Employee discounts through a benefits portal
- Monday-Friday working week
- 37.5 hours per week
Sales & Estimating Manager employer: Novax Recruitment Ltd
At Novax Recruitment Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Sheffield. Our commitment to employee growth is reflected in our competitive salary packages, company vehicles, and clear pathways for career advancement, making us an ideal choice for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding employment in the construction sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Sales & Estimating Manager
✨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 Novax Recruitment Ltd, 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 Sales & Estimating Manager at Novax Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Sales & Estimating Manager
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 Novax Recruitment Ltd
✨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!
