Estimating Manger / Director

Job Title: Estimating Manager / Director

Location: South Yorkshire
Sector: Structural Steel & Architectural Metalwork
Salary: Up to £90,000 + Performance related Bonus

Overview

We are working in partnership with a market-leading specialist in structural steel and architectural metalwork to appoint an Estimating Manager / 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