Senior Estimator

Ambitious estimator wanted to shape the growth of a technology-driven London main contractor specialising in complex refurbishments. The commercial refurbishment and retrofit sector in London continues to accelerate, with ageing building stock creating sustained demand for contractors who understand the intricacies of cut and carve works in occupied and heritage-sensitive environments. For estimators who thrive on getting under the skin of a project, understanding build sequences, and leveraging strong supply chain relationships, this is exactly the kind of business where your expertise will directly influence growth.

This award-winning London main contractor was founded in 2023 and has rapidly established itself as a specialist in complex refurbishments, retrofit projects, and high-specification fit-outs across commercial, residential, and public sector environments. Based in Fitzrovia, the business delivers projects ranging from £50k minor works to £10m+ complex schemes for clients including London boroughs, institutional landlords, and private developers. With ISO 9001, 14001, and 45001 certifications already in place and a commitment to net-zero carbon by 2030, this is a contractor that takes quality, sustainability, and governance seriously. The business is currently operating at approximately £15m turnover and actively scaling, meaning the right estimator will be joining at a genuinely pivotal moment.

This Senior Estimator position in London sits within the pre-construction team, reporting directly to the Pre-Construction Lead. The business currently has one estimator in place and needs a capable, experienced professional who can step in and own significant packages independently whilst leading full tender submissions on smaller projects up to £1.5m. This is not a back-office number-crunching role. The successful candidate will be expected to bring established subcontractor relationships, market rate intelligence, and a genuine understanding of how projects are built, not just how they are priced.

Here's what you'll be doing:

• Preparing detailed cost plans, trade package estimates, and cost build-ups for commercial refurbishment and retrofit projects across London
• Leading or significantly contributing to full tender submissions, managing the process from initial enquiry through to final documentation
• Carrying out take-offs, cost comparisons, and clarifications, ensuring accuracy and competitiveness across all submissions
• Identifying value engineering opportunities and buildability improvements that strengthen bids and protect margins
• Engaging directly with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain competitive pricing, leveraging your existing network and market knowledge
• Contributing to structured tender handovers to the delivery team, working closely with the QS function to ensure commercial realism translates into project success
• Flagging commercial and procurement risks early, with clear documentation of assumptions and exclusions throughout the estimating process

Here are the skills you'll need:

• 5 to 10 years of estimating experience within the commercial refurbishment, cut and carve, or fit-out sector, with strong exposure to projects valued between £500k and £10m
• Demonstrable experience at a recognised main contractor operating in the £10m to £100m turnover range.
• An established subcontractor network across key trades relevant to London commercial refurbishment and retrofit works
• Thorough understanding of build details, construction sequences, and the practical realities of delivering complex refurbishment schemes
• Strong market rate knowledge and awareness of competitor pricing strategies across the London commercial sector
• Confidence in negotiating with supply chain partners and the ability to improve competitiveness through better market intelligence
• Ability to operate with limited supervision, taking ownership of packages and managing your own workload effectively within a small, ambitious team

You must have the right to work in the United Kingdom. Visa sponsorship is not available at this time.

Key perks and benefits:

• Competitive salary package of £60,000 to £80,000 depending on experience and capability
• Direct involvement in the growth trajectory of a scaling London contractor with significant ambitions
• Working within a small, agile pre-construction team where your contribution is visible and valued from day one
• Exposure to a varied project pipeline spanning commercial offices, heritage buildings, residential refurbishments, and public sector schemes
• A technology-led working environment with genuine investment in modern construction tools and processes
• Clear career progression as the business scales from £15m towards £30m turnover, with the structure and leadership roles to match

Estimating careers in London's commercial refurbishment market have never been more in demand. The combination of ageing commercial building stock, tightening sustainability regulations, and growing retrofit requirements means experienced estimators with genuine supply chain relationships and market knowledge are exceptionally well positioned. For professionals looking to move beyond larger, process-heavy organisations and into a business where they can directly influence growth, pricing strategy, and commercial culture, this kind of opportunity represents a significant career step. The construction estimator job market in London remains highly competitive, and candidates with cut and carve experience at established main contractors will find strong demand for their skills across the Greater London area and beyond.