At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating function, manage tenders, and improve processes in construction.
- Company: Established and growing construction business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90k, full-time role, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor junior team members and shape the future of the estimating function.
- Why this job: Take ownership of estimating and influence commercial decisions in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in construction estimating and strong negotiation skills.
Location: Mid Kent
Salary: Up to £90k
Hours: Full-time, permanent
We are working with an established and growing construction business that is looking to appoint an experienced Estimating Lead to take ownership of its estimating function and play a key role in its continued development. This is an excellent opportunity for someone who enjoys taking responsibility, improving processes and building strong relationships across the construction industry. You will have the autonomy to shape the estimating function, influence commercial decisions and help develop the team as the business continues to grow.
The Role
- You will oversee the commercial preparation and delivery of tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission and settlement.
- Taking ownership of the estimating process, ensuring tenders are accurately prepared, competitively priced and submitted within agreed deadlines.
- Producing detailed cost estimates, reviewing pricing information and identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
- Coordinating tender activity, including subcontractor enquiries, pricing schedules and internal reviews.
- Developing and maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure competitive and reliable tender returns.
- Working closely with pre-construction, commercial, design and operational teams to ensure tender submissions are commercially sound and aligned with project requirements.
- Leading tender reviews and presenting pricing recommendations, assumptions and risk assessments.
- Improving estimating systems, procedures, templates and processes to support greater efficiency and consistency.
- Supporting and mentoring junior estimating team members, with the opportunity to develop the function as the business grows.
- Ensuring a smooth and structured handover to the delivery team following successful contract awards.
About You
We are looking for an experienced construction estimating professional who is confident taking ownership of the tendering process and influencing commercial outcomes. You will ideally have:
- Proven experience in a senior estimating, estimating management or estimating lead position within the construction industry.
- Strong knowledge of construction pricing, tender preparation and commercial estimating.
- Experience managing multiple tenders and coordinating the full estimating process.
- Excellent relationships with subcontractors and suppliers, with strong negotiation and communication skills.
- The ability to identify commercial risks, challenge costs and make informed pricing recommendations.
- Experience developing estimating processes, systems and procedures.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines.
- Previous experience supporting or developing junior members of an estimating team.
The Opportunity
This is more than simply managing an existing estimating workload. It is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of a function, introduce improvements, influence how the business approaches tendering and build something for the long term. You will have the support and backing of the senior management team, the autonomy to make improvements and the opportunity to play an important part in the future growth of an established construction business. If you are an experienced construction estimator looking for a role where you can make a real impact, we would be keen to hear from you.
Estimator Lead in Manchester employer: Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd
Join a dynamic and innovative team as a Manufacturing Engineer in Medway, where you'll have the opportunity to lead impactful production engineering projects and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Our supportive work culture fosters collaboration and professional growth, offering you the chance to enhance your skills while contributing to cutting-edge manufacturing processes. With competitive salary packages and a commitment to employee development, we are dedicated to creating a rewarding environment for our engineers.
Contact Details:
Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator Lead in Manchester
✨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 Pearson Whiffin 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 Estimator Lead at Pearson Whiffin Recruitment Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator Lead in Manchester
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 Pearson Whiffin 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!
