At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating and technical design for complex IT infrastructure projects.
- Company: Fast-growing tech and infrastructure business with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission structure, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Opportunity for autonomy and professional development in a dynamic setting.
- Why this job: Shape solutions and influence bid strategy while making a real impact.
- 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.
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 bank holidays.
- Regular company and customer events.
- The opportunity to help shape estimating standards, tools and governance as the function scales.
- Genuine autonomy over bids and commercial decisions, working alongside experienced professionals.
- Strong investment in training, certifications and ongoing professional development.
Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) in Slough employer: Raven Search
Join a well-established electrical contractor in Bury, where you will be part of a supportive and loyal team dedicated to delivering high-quality projects in both commercial and industrial sectors. The company fosters a collaborative work culture that values employee growth, offering opportunities for professional development and skill enhancement, making it an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) in Slough
✨Join Engineering Meetups!
Get yourself along to local engineering meetups or tech conferences. These are great places to connect with like-minded folks and industry leaders who might just have a lead on that full-time Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) role you’re after at Raven Search.
✨Show Off Your Projects!
Don’t be shy about showcasing your engineering projects. Whether it’s a funky app, a mechanical design, or a complex algorithm, having a solid portfolio on platforms like GitHub can really make you stand out. Plus, it gives potential employers at Raven Search a taste of what you can bring to the table!
✨Engage with Online Communities
Dive into engineering forums and online communities, like Reddit or specific engineering Discord channels. Sharing your insights, asking questions, and being active can help you build connections that might lead to job opportunities at Raven Search.
✨Apply Through Company Websites
When you spot a role like Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) at Raven Search, apply directly through their website. Often, this can show your genuine interest in the company and you might just get noticed quicker than via typical job boards.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure) in Slough
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Expertise:When applying for an engineering role like Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure), it’s essential to highlight your technical skills. Include any relevant software or tools you're proficient in on your CV—think CAD software, simulation tools, or programming languages. Don't skimp on any engineering projects you've worked on that demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems.
Focus on Results and Impact:In the engineering world, we love numbers and real-world impact. Quantify your achievements wherever possible—like reducing costs by a certain percentage, improving efficiency, or successfully completing a project ahead of schedule. This gives your future employers at Raven Search a clear picture of the value you can bring.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Use your cover letter to express your passion for engineering and explain why you’re drawn to Raven Search specifically. Share what aspects of their work excite you and how your values align with theirs. This is your chance to show a bit of personality while keeping it professional!
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any engineering certifications, especially ones that are recognised in your field, make sure to feature them prominently on your CV. They demonstrate not just your knowledge, but also your commitment to professional development, which is something we at StudySmarter value highly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Raven Search
✨Brush Up on Core Engineering Principles
Before heading into the interview with Raven Search, make sure you're solid on the fundamental engineering principles relevant to the role. Be ready to discuss concepts such as thermodynamics, fluid mechanics, or structural analysis, depending on the specifics mentioned in the job description. Don’t skip any hands-on projects or coursework; these can be excellent talking points!
✨Show Off Your Problem-Solving Skills
Expect technical questions or case studies during your interview—after all, engineering is all about solving problems! Prepare a few examples of how you've tackled engineering challenges in the past, whether at university or in any practical experience. Practising with mock technical interviews can really help you articulate your thought process and solutions.
✨Relate Your Experience to the Role
In a full-time role, employers like Raven Search want to see that you can adapt and grow within their team. Be ready to discuss how your previous internships, projects, or studies relate directly to the work you'll be doing. Highlight specific experiences that showcase your collaborative skills and how you've successfully worked within a team environment.
✨Know Your Tools and Software
Most engineering roles require familiarity with specific tools and software. Prepare to talk about your proficiency with programmes like AutoCAD, MATLAB, or SolidWorks if they’re relevant to the role. Even better, have examples of projects where you’ve used these tools, as it'll demonstrate your hands-on experience and readiness for the job.
