At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage bids and produce accurate cost estimates for exciting facade projects.
- Company: Join a respected contractor known for technical expertise and quality delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, career progression, and a supportive team environment.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Step into a key role with autonomy and contribute to high-profile projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating and bid management within the facade or cladding sector.
An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding to join a specialist façade contractor delivering high-profile building envelope projects across the UK. This role is ideally suited to someone whose background is primarily in estimating, but who also enjoys taking ownership of the bid and tender management process from enquiry through to submission.
The successful candidate will play a key role within the pre-construction team, preparing accurate and commercially competitive estimates while coordinating and managing tender returns. This opportunity offers involvement in a varied portfolio of projects and the chance to become an integral part of a well-established and growing business. If you are an experienced estimator looking to step into a broader bid management position, this could be an excellent next move.
About the Company: This established specialist contractor delivers fully integrated design, supply, installation and project management services for complex façade projects. Working across both new build and refurbishment sectors, the business has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, quality delivery and long-term client relationships within the building envelope market.
Why Join Them: The company has a strong pipeline of secured work across a range of façade and cladding projects, offering long-term stability and exposure to technically challenging schemes. You will join an experienced pre-construction team where estimating and commercial expertise are highly valued, working closely with senior management and operational teams. The business encourages professional development and provides genuine opportunities to progress as it continues to grow.
About the Role: This is fundamentally an estimating role with additional responsibility for coordinating and managing the bid process. You will be responsible for producing detailed cost estimates while ensuring tender submissions are professionally prepared, commercially robust and delivered within required timescales.
Key responsibilities include:
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, employer's requirements and tender documentation.
- Producing detailed and accurate cost estimates for façade and building envelope packages.
- Managing the bid process from initial enquiry through to final tender submission.
- Obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Preparing comprehensive and competitive tender returns in line with client requirements.
- Identifying value engineering opportunities while maintaining technical compliance.
- Liaising with design, technical and operational teams to ensure a full understanding of project requirements.
- Assessing commercial, technical and programme risks during the pre-construction stage.
- Preparing tender reports, bid documentation and supporting information for internal reviews.
- Supporting handover meetings with delivery teams following successful bid awards.
- Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of estimating and bid management procedures.
Requirements:
- Previous experience in an Estimator, Senior Estimator, Bid Manager or similar pre-construction role within the façade, curtain walling, cladding or specialist subcontracting sector.
- Strong technical understanding of curtain walling, windows, doors and rainscreen cladding systems.
- Proven experience preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for façade projects.
- Knowledge of leading façade systems and suppliers such as Reynaers, Schüco, Aluprof or similar.
- Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.
- Excellent organisational and communication abilities.
- The ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and associated estimating software.
- Experience supporting or mentoring junior pre-construction team members would be advantageous.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator to take on a broader Bid Manager / Estimator position within a respected and technically strong façade contractor. Combining hands-on estimating with responsibility for managing the tender process, the role offers genuine autonomy, long-term stability and the opportunity to contribute directly to the future growth and success of the business.
Contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment for more information.
Estimator - Cladding & Facades in Tonbridge employer: Upfront Recruitment
Join a well-established façade contractor in Tonbridge, Kent, where your expertise as a Bid Manager / Estimator will be highly valued within a supportive and experienced pre-construction team. The company offers a strong pipeline of work, fostering long-term stability and professional growth opportunities, while encouraging collaboration with senior management on technically challenging projects. With a commitment to employee development and a culture that prioritises quality delivery and client relationships, this is an excellent place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator - Cladding & Facades in Tonbridge
✨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 Upfront Recruitment, 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 Estimator - Cladding & Facades at Upfront Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator - Cladding & Facades in Tonbridge
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 Upfront Recruitment
✨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!
