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- Tasks: Lead the estimating department and prepare competitive cost estimates for engineering projects.
- Company: Specialist engineering firm known for high-quality solutions and strong customer relationships.
- Benefits: Salary up to £50k, plus a comprehensive package and career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a significant impact on business growth through your expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in heavy fabrication estimating and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor staff and collaborate across various teams.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Near Doncaster, South Yorkshire (UK)
Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent
Salary up to £50k plus package
Venatu Recruitment are supporting our client, a specialist engineering and heavy fabrication business delivering high-quality solutions across a range of construction and civil engineering sectors. Based near Doncaster, they pride themselves on technical excellence, commercial awareness, and strong customer relationships.
We are seeking an experienced Head of Estimating to lead and develop the estimating function. This is a senior role combining technical estimating expertise with commercial and sales-driven responsibilities. The successful candidate will have a strong background in heavy fabrication, a proactive approach to managing Invitations to Tender (ITTs), and the ability to support business growth through customer engagement and bid success.
Key Responsibilities
- Estimating & Commercial Leadership
- Lead the estimating department, setting standards, processes, and best practice
- Prepare accurate and competitive cost estimates for heavy fabrication and engineering projects
- Review drawings, specifications, and client requirements to produce robust tenders
- Ensure estimates reflect labour, materials, subcontracting, overheads, and risk
- Tender & ITT Management
- Proactively manage, track, and chase ITTs to maximise bid opportunities
- Coordinate with internal teams to gather technical and commercial inputs
- Evaluate tender risks and opportunities and advise senior management accordingly
- Ensure all submissions are compliant, commercially sound, and submitted on time
- Sales & Business Development Support
- Use sales experience to support customer engagement and tender clarification
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners
- Support negotiations and contribute to converting tenders into secured orders
- Provide market feedback and pricing intelligence to support growth strategy
- Cross-Functional Collaboration
- Work closely with production, engineering, procurement, and project management teams
- Support handover of successful bids into project delivery
- Mentor and develop estimating staff where applicable
Key Requirements
Essential
- Proven experience in estimating within heavy fabrication or engineering
- Strong understanding of fabrication processes, materials, and manufacturing methods
- Demonstrable experience managing and chasing ITTs
- Sales or commercially focused background with the ability to influence outcomes
- Strong numerical, analytical, and problem-solving skills
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings and specifications
- Excellent communication and negotiation skills
Desirable
- Experience leading or managing an estimating team
- Knowledge of UK engineering or fabrication markets
- Familiarity with estimating software and ERP systems
Personal Attributes
- Proactive, driven, and commercially minded
- Confident communicator with a customer-focused approach
- Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple deadlines
- Comfortable working at a senior level within the business
Head of Estimating in Nottingham employer: Venatu Consulting Ltd
Contact Detail:
Venatu Consulting Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Estimating in Nottingham
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. 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 researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience in heavy fabrication and estimating makes you the perfect fit for the role. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Estimating in Nottingham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Head of Estimating role. Highlight your background in heavy fabrication and any relevant estimating experience to catch our eye!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for the role, focusing on your commercial mindset and leadership experience in estimating. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your technical expertise in estimating and your ability to manage ITTs. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running, so make sure we see that in your application.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Venatu Consulting Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Head of Estimating, you'll need to showcase your strong numerical and analytical skills. Brush up on key metrics related to heavy fabrication and engineering projects. Be ready to discuss how you approach cost estimates and the factors that influence them.
✨Master the ITT Process
Familiarise yourself with the Invitations to Tender (ITTs) process. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed and chased ITTs in the past. Highlight your proactive approach and any strategies you've used to maximise bid opportunities.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading the estimating department, so be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share experiences where you've set standards or mentored team members. Emphasise your ability to foster collaboration across departments.
✨Build Relationships
Strong customer relationships are key in this role. Think of examples where you've successfully engaged with clients or suppliers. Discuss how you’ve supported negotiations and contributed to converting tenders into secured orders.
