Senior Estimator

Estimator / Senior Estimator

We are currently recruiting on behalf of an established, family-run main contractor based in Greater Manchester for an Estimator / Senior Estimator to join their established Pre-Construction team.

The business has been operating successfully for over 40 years and has built a strong reputation for delivering high-quality new build and refurbishment projects across Greater Manchester and the wider North West.

Working across Housing, Education and Commercial sectors, the company delivers projects for a combination of public and private-sector clients, with project values typically ranging from -500k to -15 million.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator looking for their next career step, or an established Senior Estimator seeking a long-term position within a stable and supportive SME environment.

The Role

Reporting into the senior pre-construction team, you will be responsible for producing accurate, commercially robust estimates from initial tender through to adjudication and, where successful, handover to the delivery team.

You will have the opportunity to take ownership of individual tenders while working closely with subcontractors, suppliers, the commercial team and site management.

Key Responsibilities

• Produce accurate and competitive estimates for new build and refurbishment projects.
• Prepare detailed pricing from first principles.
• Undertake accurate quantity take-offs from drawings and specifications.
• Prepare and issue tender enquiries to subcontractors and suppliers.
• Obtain, review and analyse subcontractor quotations.
• Produce detailed quotation comparisons and tender breakdowns.
• Identify commercial risks, omissions and opportunities within tender documentation.
• Package and manage tender documentation.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers throughout the tender process.
• Produce clear, analytical and logically structured estimates.
• Utilise estimating software as part of the tendering process.
• Attend and chair tender adjudications where appropriate.
• Attend tender handover meetings with the Commercial and Site Teams.
• Prepare site files and relevant documentation for successful tenders.
• Work collaboratively with the wider Pre-Construction and Commercial teams.
• Support the development and training of Junior Estimators.
• Contribute to the continued improvement of estimating processes.
• Attend relevant training and CPD programmes.

About You

We are looking for an experienced construction Estimator who is commercially aware, technically capable and able to work effectively within a close-knit team.

You will ideally have:

• Previous estimating experience within a main contracting environment.
• Experience pricing new build and/or refurbishment projects.
• Experience working on projects ranging from approximately -500k to -15m.
• Experience obtaining and analysing subcontractor quotations.
• Good understanding of the construction tendering and pre-construction process.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines.

Experience with Conquest Estimating Software would be advantageous, although training can be provided.