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- Tasks: Lead the preparation of complex tenders and influence strategic decisions at board level.
- Company: A leading UK and European Main Contractor known for high-quality project delivery.
- Benefits: Strong career progression, collaborative culture, and a financially stable environment.
- Why this job: Shape winning strategies and make a real impact in a dynamic, fast-paced setting.
- Qualifications: Senior-level estimating experience with a solid understanding of D&B tenders.
- Other info: Join a team that values trust, accountability, and long-term investment in its people.
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 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.
The Business
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.
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:
- 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.
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.
Estimation Lead in Watford employer: NSR Associates
Contact Detail:
NSR Associates Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimation Lead in Watford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that who you know can sometimes be just as important as what you know, so don’t be shy about reaching out to people in your field.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to estimating and tendering. We recommend role-playing with a friend or using online resources to get comfortable discussing your experience and how it aligns with the job description.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise during interviews by bringing examples of past projects where you’ve successfully influenced bid strategies or managed complex tenders. We want to see how you can bring that experience to our team!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive and engaged with our company.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimation Lead in Watford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Strategic Thinking: When writing your application, make sure to highlight your ability to weigh risk against reward. Use examples from your past experiences where you’ve challenged assumptions and presented clear recommendations to senior leadership.
Tailor Your Application: Don’t just send a generic CV and cover letter! Tailor your application to reflect the specific requirements of the Estimation Lead role. Mention your experience with D&B tenders and how you can shape winning strategies that align with the company’s objectives.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your writing clear and to the point. Use bullet points for key achievements and responsibilities to make it easy for us to see your relevant experience at a glance. Remember, clarity is key when presenting complex information!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This way, your application will be processed more efficiently, and you’ll have the chance to showcase your enthusiasm for joining our collaborative team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NSR Associates
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimation Lead, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of pricing from first principles. Brush up on your cost estimation techniques and be ready to discuss how you balance risk against reward in your previous projects. This will show that you can think strategically and make informed decisions.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role thrives in a collaborative environment, so be prepared to share examples of how you've worked with cross-functional teams. Highlight instances where you've influenced key decisions at board level or shaped bid strategies, as this will resonate well with the company's culture of trust and accountability.
✨Prepare for Complex Scenarios
Expect to be asked about your experience with complex Design & Build tenders. Prepare specific examples where you've taken ownership of the estimating process and how you've managed to produce accurate, well-structured cost plans. This will demonstrate your capability to handle the demands of the role.
✨Articulate Your Thought Process
During the interview, clearly articulate your pricing assumptions, risk allowances, and programme logic. Practice explaining these concepts in a straightforward manner, as you'll need to present clear pros and cons to senior leadership. This will showcase your ability to communicate effectively under pressure.
