Senior Estimator in Cardiff, South Glamorgan

Managing Estimator

Location:                      Cardiff

Salary:                         Up to £85,000 + Car Allowance + Package

Sector:                         Main Contracting | Cladding Replacement | Fit-Out | Refurbishment

Start Date:                    ASAP

Working Arrangement: Full-time, office-based in Cardiff

Managing Estimator – The Company

Our client is a highly successful, multi-regional main contractor with an established reputation across South Wales and the wider UK. The business delivers a diverse range of construction projects, typically valued between £1m and £15m, specialising in cladding replacement, commercial fit-out, refurbishment and general contracting.

With an excellent reputation in the industry, the company has experienced significant growth while maintaining a financially secure position and a strong pipeline of secured and upcoming projects.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Managing Estimator or Senior Estimator looking to take the next step into a leadership position within an ambitious, forward-thinking contractor.

Managing Estimator – The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Managing Estimator to lead and develop the estimating function from the company’s Cardiff office.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for overseeing the preparation and submission of competitive tenders, managing a team of Estimators and working closely with senior management to support the company’s continued growth.

This is a hands-on leadership position, combining strategic oversight of the tendering process with involvement in estimating, commercial decision-making and the development of the wider pre-construction team.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading, managing and developing a team of Estimators, providing technical guidance and support.
• Overseeing the preparation and submission of accurate, competitive tenders across multiple projects.
• Managing estimating resources, workloads and tender deadlines to ensure efficient delivery.
• Reviewing and approving estimates, cost plans and tender submissions.
• Taking a hands-on approach to estimating on larger or more complex tenders where required.
• Working closely with senior management to develop tender strategies and identify new business opportunities.
• Leading tender adjudications, commercial reviews and risk assessments.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and suppliers.
• Identifying opportunities for value engineering and improving tender competitiveness.
• Developing and improving estimating procedures, systems and best practices.
• Working closely with commercial and operational teams to ensure effective project handovers.

Managing Estimator – The Person

We are looking for an experienced construction Estimator with strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness and the ability to lead and develop a successful estimating team.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

• Significant estimating experience within a regional or national main contractor.
• Previous experience as a Managing Estimator, Estimating Manager or Senior Estimator with the ability to step into a leadership role.
• A strong track record of successfully tendering and securing construction projects valued at £5m or above.
• Excellent first-principles estimating skills and a thorough understanding of construction methodologies.
• Experience across refurbishment, fit-out or general construction projects.
• Previous experience estimating cladding replacement or building remediation projects would be highly advantageous.
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to mentor, motivate and develop other Estimators.
• Excellent commercial awareness, negotiation skills and the ability to influence senior stakeholders.
• A proven ability to manage multiple tenders, prioritise workloads and consistently meet deadlines.
• Willingness to work full-time from the Cardiff office.

Managing Estimator – The Reward

• Competitive salary of up to £85,000 depending on experience.
• Car allowance and comprehensive benefits package.
• Senior leadership position with significant autonomy and responsibility.
• Opportunity to shape and develop the estimating function.
• A varied portfolio of interesting and technically challenging projects.
• Strong pipeline of work with established clients.
• Excellent long-term career progression opportunities within a growing business.
• Opportunity to join a financially secure, ambitious and highly regarded contractor.

For further information on this opportunity, or to discuss other construction vacancies across South Wales and the South West, please contact Foresight Search for a confidential discussion.