At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the preparation of competitive tenders and influence key decisions at board level.
- Company: Respected main contractor with a strong pipeline across the UK and Europe.
- Benefits: Stability, commitment to staff, and opportunities for career progression.
- Why this job: Shape winning strategies and make a real impact in a high-performance environment.
- Qualifications: Senior-level estimating experience with strong supply-chain knowledge.
- Other info: Dynamic role requiring collaboration and strategic thinking in a fast-paced setting.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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.
Estimation Manager - Main Contractor in Uxbridge employer: NSR Associates
Contact Detail:
NSR Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimation Manager - Main Contractor in Uxbridge
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s recent projects and challenges. This way, you can tailor your answers to show how your skills can help them tackle their specific needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in terms of risk management and strategic recommendations. Confidence is key!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimation Manager - Main Contractor in Uxbridge
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that align with the Estimation Manager role. Highlight your experience in preparing D&B tenders and managing teams, as this will show us you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that demonstrate your ability to challenge assumptions and present strategic recommendations.
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit: We value collaboration, so make sure to highlight any experiences where you've worked closely with senior leadership or cross-functional teams. This will help us see how you can thrive in our fast-moving environment.
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows us you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSR Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimation Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of pricing and risk assessment. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you weigh risk against reward in your previous projects. This will show that you can think strategically and make informed recommendations.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role thrives on collaboration, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with senior leadership teams in the past. Highlight specific instances where your input shaped bid strategies or influenced key decisions. This will illustrate your ability to work effectively in a fast-paced environment.
✨Challenge Assumptions
The job requires someone who can challenge design and scope effectively. During the interview, discuss how you've identified risks and opportunities in previous tenders. Bring along examples of innovative solutions you've proposed, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to problem-solving.
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors are crucial for this role. Be ready to talk about how you've built and maintained these relationships in your career. Mention any networks you have that could benefit the company, as this shows you're already thinking about how to add value from day one.