Senior Estimator

Our client is one of the UK's leading Tier 1 main contractors, delivering high-profile projects across a diverse range of sectors including commercial, education, healthcare, residential, industrial, and public sector developments. With a strong reputation for excellence, innovation, and sustainability, they continue to secure landmark projects across the Midlands and wider UK market.

Due to continued growth and a healthy pipeline of secured and upcoming work, they are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their established Pre-Construction team in Derbyshire.

The Role

As a Senior Estimator, you will play a pivotal role in leading the preparation and submission of competitive tenders, ensuring that bids are commercially viable, technically robust, and aligned with business objectives. Working closely with clients, consultants, supply chain partners, and internal stakeholders, you will develop winning tender strategies and provide expert cost advice throughout the pre-construction process.

This position offers an excellent opportunity to work on major construction projects while helping shape the future workload of one of the UK's most respected contractors.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost plans, budgets, estimates, and tender submissions for a variety of construction projects.
• Review and analyse drawings, specifications, and tender documentation to identify project requirements and risks.
• Develop bid strategies that maximise competitiveness while protecting commercial margins.
• Manage the tender process from initial enquiry through to final submission and client negotiations.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations, ensuring the most commercially advantageous solutions are secured.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and key supply chain partners.
• Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative solutions to improve project outcomes and profitability.
• Collaborate with design, planning, commercial, and operational teams throughout the pre-construction phase.
• Provide mentoring and guidance to junior estimators and support the development of the wider estimating team.
• Participate in tender adjudication meetings and present commercial recommendations to senior management.
• Support successful project handovers to operational teams following contract award.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of market trends, labour rates, material costs, and industry developments.

Education, Skills and Requirements:

• Relevant construction qualification (HNC, HND, Degree or equivalent) desirable.
• Proven experience in a Senior Estimator or Estimator position with a Tier 1 or large Tier 2 Main Contractor.
• Strong understanding of traditional, design and build, and two-stage tendering processes.
• Experience pricing projects across multiple sectors and values.
• Excellent commercial awareness and risk management capabilities.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, contracts, procurement routes, and supply chain management.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and proficiency with estimating software.
• Ability to analyse complex information and produce accurate, high-quality tender submissions.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tenders simultaneously.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and attractive benefits package.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Car allowance or company vehicle.
• Private healthcare.
• Enhanced pension contribution.
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
• Ongoing professional development and training.
• Clear progression opportunities within a leading Tier 1 contractor.
• Opportunity to work on landmark projects with a market-leading business.