At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating and technical design for complex IT infrastructure projects.
- Company: Fast-growing tech and infrastructure business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission structure, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for informal mentoring and strong career growth.
- Why this job: Shape solutions and influence bid strategy in a senior, autonomous role.
- Qualifications: Senior-level estimating experience in technology or engineering environments.
The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.
The Opportunity
Our client, a fast-growing technology and infrastructure business, is looking for a Senior Estimator / Designer to lead estimating, technical design and bid development across complex, multi-discipline projects within their pre-construction and commercial function. This is a senior, autonomous position, not a support or pricing-only role: you would carry genuine technical authority, commercial accountability and client-facing responsibility, shaping solutions and influencing bid strategy rather than simply costing what is put in front of you. The role is weighted towards structured cabling and IT infrastructure, with broader multi-discipline exposure genuinely valued, including low-voltage electrical and UPS systems, wireless and cellular technologies, IP security and audio visual. You would operate with minimal supervision, act as a senior reference point for developing colleagues, and be trusted to contribute directly to winning work rather than only pricing it. The role reports to the Commercial Director. There are no direct reports initially, though informal mentoring of less experienced estimators is part of the role as you establish yourself.
Permanent, Oldham, £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience, plus a highly competitive commission structure and a full benefits package.
About the Business
Our client is a fast-growing, privately owned infrastructure and technology business, debt-free and financially independent, designing, installing and supporting complex connectivity and infrastructure projects for enterprise customers and channel partners nationwide. Their portfolio spans Wi-Fi 6/7, LAN, structured cabling, fibre optic, private cellular, smart hands services, planned and reactive maintenance, AV, IP CCTV, EV charging and sustainability services, delivering everything from single high-value enterprise projects to national multi-site rollout programmes. This is a hybrid role based from Oldham, and it is the second appointment ravensearch has made for this client following a successful placement earlier this year.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading cost planning, estimating and tender submissions for medium to large, technically complex projects, ensuring commercial robustness and alignment with delivery capability.
- Owning scope definition, assumptions, exclusions, dependencies and commercial risk, supporting bid strategy, margin control and value-engineering decisions.
- Developing and maintaining pricing models, bills of quantities, labour schedules and supporting documentation suitable for private and public-sector procurement.
- Leading or validating technical designs across IT infrastructure, structured cabling, low-voltage electrical and wireless systems, ensuring solutions are compliant, buildable and deliverable.
- Managing and coordinating internal surveying engineers and external survey partners during pre-construction.
- Building and maintaining strong client relationships at bid and pre-construction stage, operating as a trusted technical partner rather than a transactional supplier.
- Contributing directly to winning work through technical credibility, commercial input and effective engagement with clients, internal stakeholders and the supply chain.
- Monitoring tender portals and framework pipelines, including advance planning for public-sector renewals and re-procurements.
- Maintaining a structured opportunity pipeline with accurate forecasting of probability, value and key milestones.
- Supporting the continuous improvement of estimating standards, tools and governance as the function scales.
- Acting as a senior reference point for developing colleagues, with informal mentoring where useful.
What We're Looking For
- Senior-level estimating and technical design experience within a technology, infrastructure or engineering-led environment.
- Minimum 5 years experience with recognised industry qualifications, or 10 years experience without formal qualifications.
- Strong technical grounding in one or more of: passive and active IT infrastructure, structured cabling (copper and fibre), or low-voltage electrical infrastructure.
- Advantageous: UPS and battery energy storage systems, wireless and cellular technologies, IP security and wider IP-based platforms, audio visual and digital signage.
- Proven ability to design and price integrated, multi-discipline solutions within design-and-build and early contractor engagement environments.
- A clear track record of contributing directly to winning work through technical authority and commercial judgement, not just accurate pricing.
- Comfortable operating autonomously with genuine ownership of bids and commercial decisions.
- Confident engaging senior client stakeholders during pre-construction.
- Experience with frameworks, Schedule of Rates or public-sector procurement is highly advantageous.
- Advanced Excel is essential; familiarity with Simpro, Contract Master, AutoCAD, Ekahau, JVSG, BlueBeam or FieldWire is a strong plus.
This role will not suit junior or support-only estimators, candidates without client or bid-stage engagement, quantity surveyors lacking technical design responsibility, or anyone uncomfortable with commercial accountability.
What's on Offer
- £45,000 - £55,000 depending on experience.
- A highly competitive commission structure, linked to individual contribution and overall business performance.
- Hybrid and flexible working, supportive of family commitments.
- Comprehensive benefits including Medicash, Cycle to Work, Employee Assistance Programme and Death in Service.
- Pension scheme, paid annual leave plus.
Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) in London employer: Raven Search
Join a dynamic and rapidly expanding technology and infrastructure business in Oldham, where your expertise as a Senior Estimator / Designer will be valued and rewarded. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to lead complex projects while enjoying a competitive salary, flexible working arrangements, and a comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and professional development. This is not just a job; it's a chance to make a meaningful impact in a collaborative environment that prioritises innovation and client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) in London
✨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 Raven Search, 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 Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) at Raven Search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) in London
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 Raven Search
✨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!
