Senior Estimator
London | Hybrid Working (2-3 Days from Home) | Tier 1 Main Contractor
A highly reputable contractor is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their London-based preconstruction team. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in securing and delivering major public sector projects across the South East, working alongside senior leadership, clients, consultants and key supply chain partners.
The role offers involvement throughout the full preconstruction lifecycle, from initial bid strategy and Stage 1 tendering through to contract award and handover to delivery.
The Role
You'll be responsible for:
- Leading estimating and cost planning activities on major building projects.
- Managing two-stage tenders and preconstruction services agreements (PCSAs).
- Developing robust cost plans and commercial strategies.
- Driving value engineering and design-to-budget initiatives.
- Identifying and managing commercial risks and opportunities.
- Building strong relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
- Supporting successful project conversion from tender stage through to contract award.
What they are Looking For
They are looking for a commercially astute Senior Estimator with experience working for a Tier 1 or major regional contractor, who can demonstrate:
- Strong estimating and cost planning expertise across major building projects.
- Proven experience of two-stage procurement and collaborative preconstruction.
Public sector construction experience, ideally across:
- Education (DfE)
- Justice (MoJ)
- Healthcare
- Defence
Experience working within key public sector frameworks, including:
- CF25
- Crown Commercial Service (CCS)
- GCA
- Procure Partnerships
- Southern Construction Framework (SCF)
- Strong supply chain knowledge and market awareness.
- Excellent commercial, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to influence design, manage affordability and deliver commercially viable solutions.
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary and package.
- Hybrid working with 2-3 days per week from home.
- Exposure to high-profile public sector schemes across London and the South East.
- Long-term career progression with a leading Tier 1 contractor.
If you're an experienced Senior Estimator looking to take ownership of complex public sector opportunities and influence projects from concept through to contract award, I would love to hear from you.
Contact Details:
The Management Recruitment Group Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator 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 The Management Recruitment Group Careers, 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 at The Management Recruitment Group Careers.
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 The Management Recruitment Group Careers
✨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!
