At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the estimating team, ensuring accuracy and efficiency in tenders.
- Company: Join a market leader in structural steel and architectural metalwork with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, performance bonuses, and long-term career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of a high-performing contractor and influence strategic decisions.
- Qualifications: 10+ years in structural steel or architectural metalwork with senior estimating experience required.
- Other info: This is a unique opportunity for board-level visibility and impact.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Job Title: Estimating Director Location: Yorkshire Sector: Structural Steel & Architectural Metalwork Reporting to: Managing Director Overview: We are working in partnership with a market-leading specialist in structural steel and architectural metalwork to appoint an Estimating Director to lead and evolve their pre-construction and tendering function. This is a senior leadership role with board-level visibility and a direct influence on the company\’s strategic direction. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a high-performing estimating and business development function, aligning commercial pricing strategies with operational delivery and market growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a well-established, high-performing contractor with a strong reputation for delivering technically complex and architecturally significant projects. Key Responsibilities: Lead, manage, and develop the estimating team, instilling best practices, efficiency, and accuracy across all tenders Oversee and collaborate with the Business Development Director to ensure bid alignment with the company\’s strategic and financial objectives Develop and implement estimating systems, procedures, and controls to support consistent, scalable tendering across multiple workstreams Assess and manage tender risk, build-ups, and pricing methodologies in relation to design, scope, and buildability Lead on value engineering initiatives and post-tender negotiations as required Collaborate with operations and commercial departments to ensure successful project handovers and alignment between estimating and delivery Provide accurate forecasting, performance tracking, and pipeline reporting to the Board Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the estimating and pre-construction function Key Requirements: Minimum 10 years\’ experience in structural steel or architectural metalwork contracting Proven track record in estimating at senior or director level, ideally including high-value and complex projects (£5m+) Deep understanding of estimating software, pricing structures, fabrication processes, and installation methods Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams Commercially strategic mindset, able to see the bigger picture and influence business decisions Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to lead client conversations and internal strategy discussions Ambitious, organised, and collaborative, capable of working at both operational and strategic levels Why Join? Join a respected market leader with a strong reputation, robust pipeline, and growth ambitions Play a critical role in shaping how the business prices, wins, and delivers work Competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and long-term career potential at board level Work within a collaborative, progressive leadership team who value innovation and continuous improvement Application Process: This is a retained and exclusive opportunity managed by Sharon O\’Donnell at The Highfield Company. For a confidential conversation, please contact Sharon
Estimating Director employer: The Highfield Company
Contact Detail:
The Highfield Company Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimating Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the structural steel and architectural metalwork sectors. Attend industry events, seminars, or webinars to connect with potential colleagues and leaders who can provide insights into the role and company culture.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the latest trends and technologies in estimating software and pricing strategies relevant to the industry. Being knowledgeable about current practices will help you engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experiences in managing high-performing teams. Think of specific examples where you've successfully led projects or initiatives that align with the responsibilities of the Estimating Director role.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with the company's recent projects and their strategic goals. This knowledge will allow you to tailor your discussions and demonstrate how your vision aligns with their objectives during the interview process.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimating Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your relevant experience in structural steel and architectural metalwork. Focus on your leadership roles, particularly in estimating, and showcase any high-value projects you've managed.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that directly addresses the key responsibilities and requirements outlined in the job description. Emphasise your strategic mindset and how your experience aligns with the company's goals.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: In your application, provide specific examples of how you've led teams to success in estimating functions. Highlight any initiatives you've implemented that improved efficiency or accuracy in tendering processes.
Demonstrate Industry Knowledge: Include insights into your understanding of estimating software, pricing structures, and fabrication processes. This will show your depth of knowledge and ability to contribute to the company's strategic direction.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Highfield Company
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As an Estimating Director, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead and develop teams. Prepare specific examples of how you've successfully managed teams in the past, focusing on best practices and efficiency improvements.
✨Understand the Company's Strategic Goals
Research the company's strategic direction and be ready to discuss how your vision aligns with their objectives. This shows that you're not just focused on the role but also on contributing to the company's overall success.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect questions about estimating software, pricing structures, and fabrication processes. Brush up on your technical knowledge and be prepared to discuss how you've applied this in previous roles, especially in high-value projects.
✨Demonstrate Your Negotiation Skills
Since the role involves post-tender negotiations, be ready to share examples of successful negotiations you've led. Highlight your communication skills and how you navigate complex discussions to achieve favourable outcomes.