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- Tasks: Lead cost estimating for diverse construction projects and support strategic decision-making.
- Company: Join a values-driven team that champions career development and work/life balance.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive benefits package, including health support and professional membership.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a senior role while mentoring junior staff and shaping successful bids.
- Qualifications: 10+ years of senior estimating experience with strong leadership and commercial awareness.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive community that values diversity and continuous improvement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Are you an experienced senior construction estimator ready to step into a key commercial role and lead accurate, competitive cost estimating across diverse projects? We are looking for a proactive Senior Estimator to join a values-driven team where your expertise will be recognised, supported, and developed.
You will play a central role in the pre-construction and bidding process, responsible for producing robust cost estimates, coordinating tender activity, and supporting strategic decision-making. This is a senior position where leadership and commercial awareness are critical - and where your input directly helps shape successful bid submissions. You will be joining a culture that champions career development, diversity, inclusion, and work/life balance. Whether you are building on long experience or looking to grow further, you will have opportunities to learn, contribute, and be part of a supportive community.
What You’ll Do
- Develop, evaluate, compile, and present detailed cost estimates for construction bids.
- Support bid qualification and tender strategy including early appraisal and PQQ submissions.
- Plan and manage pre-construction resources and internal tender processes.
- Lead tender launches and coordinate documentation, schedules, and team responsibilities.
- Review tender documentation, Bills of Quantities, supply chain inputs, and external consultant data.
- Provide technical, commercial, and risk support through the tender process.
- Attend site visits, presentations, and handover meetings as required.
- Mentor and support junior estimating staff while promoting continuous improvement.
Who You Are
We are looking for someone with strong leadership, commercial awareness, and a collaborative mindset. You will need:
- Minimum 10 years’ experience in senior estimating within a main contracting environment.
- Experience bidding across multiple sectors (e.g., education, healthcare, commercial, leisure) with typical project values of £7m-£30m.
- Proven ability to support and manage framework bids and renewals.
- A track record of mentoring more junior staff and leading aspects of the bidding process.
- Excellent attention to detail, communication skills, and strong team-working behaviours.
Benefits & Perks
A competitive benefits package designed to support your wellbeing, work/life balance, and career progression:
- Health Cash Plan
- Health & wellbeing support
- Private medical insurance options
- Company car scheme or allowance
- Enhanced parental leave
- Professional membership support
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Death in Service benefit providing a tax-free lump sum.
How to Apply
If this sounds like your next challenge, please email your CV to rhianthornbaker.co.uk or click on apply. Note: Even if you don’t meet every criterion but feel you could bring value and enthusiasm, we’d still love to hear from you.
Senior Estimator employer: Thorn Baker Construction
Contact Detail:
Thorn Baker Construction Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Estimator role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge and leadership skills. Be ready to discuss your experience with diverse projects and how you've mentored junior staff. Show them you’re not just a number cruncher, but a strategic thinker!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t forget to showcase your commercial awareness! During interviews, highlight your understanding of the bidding process and how your input has shaped successful submissions in the past. This will set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us. Let’s get you that Senior Estimator position!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially in diverse sectors.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for estimating and how your background aligns with our values of collaboration and continuous improvement.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led bids or mentored junior staff in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get to know you better!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thorn Baker Construction
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost estimating. Brush up on your knowledge of construction costs, market trends, and the specific sectors mentioned in the job description. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed bids in the past and the strategies you used to ensure accuracy.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership abilities, so think about examples where you've led teams or mentored junior staff. Prepare to share specific instances where your guidance made a difference in the bidding process or project outcomes. Highlight your collaborative mindset and how it has contributed to successful team dynamics.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's values around diversity, inclusion, and work/life balance. During the interview, express how these values resonate with you and provide examples of how you've fostered a positive team environment in your previous roles. This will show that you're not just a fit for the job, but also for the company culture.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to the tender process, risk assessment, and cost estimation methodologies. Review common challenges faced in the industry and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated them. This will demonstrate your depth of knowledge and readiness to tackle the responsibilities of the role.
