Estimation Lead

Are you able to weigh risk against reward, challenge assumptions, and present clear, strategic recommendations to a Board? Can you move beyond pure cost and help shape winning strategies alongside the SLT? If you’re someone who understands pricing from first principles and thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced environment, this role will suit you.

With a strong pipeline of secured work across the UK and Europe, this Tier 1 Main Contractor continues to expand on the back of long-term client partnerships and a reputation for high-quality delivery.

Their approach is driven by solutions, performance, and genuine collaboration — with repeat business at the heart of their success. As the workload grows, they’re now strengthening their pre-construction function with an Estimation Lead who can help shape high-value tenders and influence commercial strategy at group level.

Our client is a well-established UK and European Main Contractor delivering complex, high-value projects across data centres, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. The business is financially strong, with a healthy order book, significant cash reserves, and a high proportion of negotiated and repeat work secured through long-term client relationships.

They operate with full in-house capability across design, engineering, project management, and construction, enabling them to deliver technically demanding, mission-critical projects to a consistently high standard.

The company culture is built on trust, accountability, and collaboration, with a strong track record of stability and long-term investment in their people. Continued growth across the UK and Europe offers genuine opportunities for career progression as the group expands into new markets.

You’ll take a strategic lead in the preparation of complex D&B tenders, working across multiple sectors and countries. This includes developing detailed estimates, examining design information, shaping bid strategy, and influencing key decisions at board level.

Key responsibilities include:

• Take ownership of the end-to-end estimating process for large, complex Design & Build tenders across multiple sectors and regions.
• Shape and influence bid strategy, balancing commercial opportunity, risk profile, and delivery capability.
• Presenting clear pros and cons to senior leadership to support informed bids.
• Produce and manage accurate, well-structured cost plans and tender submissions aligned with programme and procurement strategy.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to secure reliable pricing.
• Interrogate complex work packages, including self-delivery elements such as RC frames, earthworks, and finishing trades.
• Clearly articulate pricing assumptions, risk allowances, and programme logic to clients, consultants, and PMCs.
• Ensure all tenders are fully compliant, commercially robust, and aligned with client expectations and company objectives.

You’re a senior-level estimating professional with solid UK experience preparing and managing D&B tenders for a Main Contractor. You’re commercially sharp, technically aware, and confident in front of senior stakeholders. You know how to break down complex scopes, challenge information constructively, and bring together internal teams under pressure. Strong supply-chain knowledge and a network you can rely on is essential.