Estimator / Senior Estimator - Main Contractor

Estimator / Senior Estimator – Main Contractor

Derby | £60,000 – £80,000 + Package

We are recruiting for an experienced Estimator / Senior Estimator to join a highly regarded, established regional main contractor based in Derby.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a successful construction business with a strong reputation across the Midlands, an established client base and a varied pipeline of projects across both the public and private sectors.

The business delivers projects across education, healthcare, commercial, industrial, leisure, civic and public-sector frameworks, and is looking to strengthen its Pre-Construction team with an experienced Estimator who can play a key role in securing the next generation of projects.

The Role

Working as part of an established Pre-Construction team, you will take responsibility for preparing competitive and commercially robust tenders across a range of construction projects.

Depending on your experience, you could join at either Estimator or Senior Estimator level, with the scope and responsibility tailored accordingly.

You will be involved throughout the tender process, including reviewing tender documentation, developing pricing strategies, producing accurate cost plans, obtaining and analysing subcontractor quotations and working closely with the wider Pre-Construction, Commercial and Operational teams.

The role will include:

• Managing tenders from initial enquiry through to submission

• Preparing detailed and accurate estimates

• Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation

• Producing bills of quantities and tender breakdowns

• Subcontractor and supplier enquiries

• Analysing quotations and identifying best value

• Assessing project risk and opportunity

• Working closely with Design, Commercial and Operational teams

• Supporting value engineering and alternative construction solutions

• Attending tender adjudications and client meetings

• Contributing to tender presentations and post-tender negotiations

• Supporting the handover of successfully secured projects to delivery teams

About You

We're looking for an Estimator who understands main contracting and can demonstrate a successful track record of pricing construction projects.

Ideally, you'll have:

• Previous Estimating experience with a main contractor

• Experience across new build and/or refurbishment projects

• A strong understanding of construction methodology

• Good knowledge of subcontractor markets and supply chains

• Excellent analytical and numerical skills

• Strong commercial awareness

• The ability to interrogate drawings, specifications and tender information

• Experience managing tenders independently

• Excellent communication and negotiation skills

• A relevant construction qualification would be advantageous

For the Senior Estimator level, we're particularly interested in candidates capable of taking ownership of significant tenders and working closely with senior management throughout the bid process.

Why Consider This Opportunity?

This isn't about joining a huge national contractor and becoming another number within an enormous Pre-Construction department.

It's an opportunity to join an established and respected Midlands contractor where your experience, judgement and relationships can genuinely influence which projects the business pursues and ultimately secures.

The company has a long-standing presence within the region, a diverse project portfolio and a strong history of repeat and framework-led work.

For somebody looking for stability, interesting projects and the opportunity to have a real influence within a Pre-Construction team, there's a lot to like.

Salary & Package

£60,000 – £80,000 + comprehensive package, dependent upon experience and whether joining at Estimator or Senior Estimator level.

Derby based, with projects predominantly across the Midlands and surrounding regions.

If you're an Estimator or Senior Estimator currently working for a main contractor and would like to explore the opportunity confidentially, please send me your CV or contact me directly.

All applications and conversations will be treated in complete confidence.