Senior Estimator

Our client is a turnkey design and build company part of an award-winning, integrated design, project management and construction group specialising in the commercial fit‑out market. From ambitious scale‑ups to global blue‑chip organisations, our client delivers inspiring workplaces from initial brief through to handover, combining creative design with rigorous construction delivery. With a strong and growing pipeline of Cat A and Cat B projects across London, we are looking for a talented Senior Estimator to join our pre‑construction team.

This is a key commercial role that sits at the heart of how this company wins and delivers work – someone who can price with precision, think strategically, and build strong relationships with clients, consultants and the supply chain.

The Role

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Senior Estimator will take ownership of the full estimating function, leading the pricing of new opportunities from early‑stage budgets through to fully detailed tender submissions. You will work closely with the design, project management and commercial teams to produce competitive, buildable and commercially sound bids playing a central role in the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Estimating & Tendering: Lead the preparation of detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for D&B fit‑out projects, typically ranging from £500k to £10m+ in value. Produce early‑stage budget appraisals and order‑of‑magnitude costs to support business development and client engagement activity. Analyse and interpret drawings, specifications and design information to produce accurate, detailed take‑offs and Bills of Quantities. Develop and maintain a structured approach to estimating that reflects the company seven‑stage delivery process and quality standards. Review tender documents, contract conditions and scope of works to identify risk, opportunity and any clarifications required prior to submission.
• Supply Chain & Procurement: Manage the subcontractor and supplier enquiry process identifying suitable partners, issuing enquiries, analysing returns and making recommendations. Build and maintain a robust, reliable supply chain database of preferred subcontractors across all key trades relevant to commercial fit‑out. Negotiate package prices with subcontractors and suppliers to achieve best value without compromising quality or programme requirements. Work alongside the construction team to ensure estimated subcontract packages are aligned with buildability and programme assumptions.
• Commercial & Financial: Produce detailed cost plans and cashflow forecasts to support project go/no‑go decisions and client presentations. Maintain a live database of unit rates, benchmarking data and cost intelligence to ensure pricing remains competitive and current. Contribute to post‑tender and post‑project reviews, feeding cost learnings back into the estimating function to continuously improve accuracy. Support the Commercial Director with fee proposals, prelims build‑ups and overhead/profit strategies on individual bids.
• Design & Pre‑Construction Collaboration: Engage early with the design team to influence specification choices, value engineer where appropriate, and ensure design intent is costed accurately. Attend pre‑construction meetings, site surveys and client briefings to gain a thorough understanding of project requirements before pricing commences. Provide cost advice throughout the design development process, flagging budget implications of design decisions in a timely and constructive way. Collaborate with Project Managers on handover of won projects, ensuring cost assumptions and risk allowances are clearly communicated.
• Client & Stakeholder Engagement: Present estimates and tender submissions confidently to clients, responding to queries and negotiating commercial positions where required. Build trusted relationships with clients, agents and consultants that position the business as the partner of choice for future opportunities. Represent the business professionally in all pre‑construction and tender‑stage communications, in line with the business's values of quality, integrity and accountability.

Skills & Experience

• Significant experience in a commercial estimating role within the fit‑out or interior construction sector, with a strong preference for D&B project experience.
• A proven track record of pricing Cat A and Cat B commercial fit‑out projects from budget through to detailed tender stage.
• Strong numeracy and analytical skills, with the ability to produce detailed, accurate cost plans under time pressure.
• Highly proficient in industry‑standard estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Conquest, Bluebeam or similar) and Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent understanding of construction methods, materials, specifications and subcontract trade packages relevant to commercial interiors.
• Sound knowledge of JCT and D&B contract forms, with the ability to review and price risk within contract conditions.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the confidence to engage at client and Director level.
• A degree or HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline is desirable; equivalent professional experience will be considered.
• MRICS or working towards chartership would be advantageous but is not essential.

What We Offer

• A high‑profile commercial role with direct influence on the growth of the business and project pipeline.
• A collaborative, design‑led environment where the estimating function is valued as a strategic business partner, not just a cost function.
• A people‑first culture built on quality, integrity, accountability and working together.
• Competitive salary and package commensurate with experience.
• The opportunity to work on creative, award‑winning projects for some of the UK's most recognised brands and organisations.
• Clear career development pathways within growing commercial team.