Estimation Manager - Main Contractor in London

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 senior leadership team? If you're someone who understands pricing from first principles and thrives in a collaborative, fast-moving environment, this role will suit you.

With a strong pipeline of secured work across the UK and Europe, this respected 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 a Senior Estimator who can help shape high-value tenders and influence commercial strategy at group level.

The Business

• A leading UK & European main contractor with an established presence in data centres, technology facilities, and pharmaceutical developments.
• Strong financial position with significant cash reserves and a high percentage of negotiated / PSA work.
• Full in-house capability across design, engineering, project management, and delivery.
• A culture founded on trust, accountability, and long-term client relationships.
• Consistent growth, with opportunities to progress as the group expands into new markets and regions.

This is a high-performance environment, where top performers go beyond standard hours when required and thrive on the pace of mission-critical projects. The company values people, and their track record during challenging periods demonstrates that — stability, commitment, and long-term investment in staff remain central to their philosophy.

The Role

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:

• Leading the preparation of robust, commercially competitive tenders for major D&B projects.
• Challenging design and scope to identify risk, opportunity, and innovative solutions.
• Presenting clear pros and cons to senior leadership to support informed bids.
• Managing internal estimating teams and coordinating with design, planning, and delivery.
• Building strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to secure reliable pricing.
• Interrogating complex tenders, including self-delivery elements such as RC frames, earthworks, and finishes.
• Defending price and programme with clients, consultants, and PMCs.
• Ensuring bids are compliant, complete, and aligned with client expectations.

About You

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. You must also live within approximately one hour of Uxbridge due to the hands-on, office-based nature of the role.