Senior Estimating Manager
External
Mears · Brockworth£91K/yrFull-timeOn-site1d ago
ComplianceDocumentationMentoringRisk Management
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About the role
The Senior Estimator is a key role within the commercial estimating and tendering function, responsible for producing high-quality, competitive and compliant bids across all business streams. You will develop robust cost models, assess risk, collaborate with operational and commercial stakeholders, and ensure all estimating outputs meet the standards set by the Head of Estimating. This role works closely with Business Development, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to support sustainable growth and protect margin. You will report directly to the Head of Estimating.
Responsibilities
- Purpose
- Lead the preparation of robust, compliant and competitive estimates aligned to company commercial strategy
- Ensure pricing, methodology, risk and assumptions are clearly articulated and aligned with operational delivery
- Provide analytical insight, industry knowledge and commercial judgement to support tender adjudications
- Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, knowledge bases and governance frameworks
- Estimating & Commercial Proposal Development
- Prepare detailed estimates and commercial submissions for tenders across Repairs & Maintenance (including M&E and Planned Works), Central Government housing and support, Decarbonisation and Net Zero programmes, and DLO support
- Build cost models from first principles with accuracy and commercial integrity
- Support value engineering, scenario modelling and pricing strategy development
- Analyse tender documentation, specifications and operational data to ensure deliverable proposals
- Provide clear written and verbal summaries of assumptions, pricing logic and risks
- Tender Governance & Risk Management
- Ensure all estimating outputs meet internal governance standards for completeness and compliance
- Support tender clarifications, RFIs and responses to client queries
- Assist with commercial review of contracts and legal documents alongside Legal and Operations
- Identify and document key financial and delivery risks for adjudication
- Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
- Work collaboratively with Business Development and Operations to ensure bids reflect operational capability
- Engage with supply chain partners to secure competitive quotations and maintain market intelligence
- Present estimating outputs and recommendations to senior stakeholders when required
- Mobilisation & Continuous Improvement
- Support mobilisation teams post-award, ensuring clarity of estimating assumptions
- Participate in post-contract reviews and outturn cost analysis to improve future pricing
- Contribute to enhancements in systems, templates, cost databases and knowledge repositories
- Team Support & Development
- Act as a senior technical resource, providing mentoring to junior estimators
- Promote accuracy, commercial discipline and collaborative working
- Deputise for the Head of Estimating when required
- Essential Experience:
- Significant experience in social housing, R&M, planned works or related construction estimating
- Strong working knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates
- Proven experience producing cost models and pricing strategies for medium-large tenders
- Experience engaging with clients, supply chain and internal stakeholders
- Ability to manage multiple bids to tight deadlines
- Good understanding of NEC and JCT contract forms
- Strong analytical skills and commercial awareness
- Desirable Experience:
- Experience in a large contracting or housing services environment
- Familiarity with estimating software and data analytics tools
- Professional qualification in QS, Construction Management or similar (or working towards)
- Key Skills & Attributes
- Strong numerical ability and exceptional attention to detail
- Clear, confident communicator able to explain commercial reasoning to all audiences
- Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
- Ability to interpret complex specifications and technical documentation
- Highly organised, deadline-driven and able to prioritise effectively
- Collaborative team player with mentoring capability
- Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge assumptions constructively
Benefits
Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and much more25 days annual leave plus bank holidays3 x Life assuranceprivate medical care for you and your family£4,800 car allowanceGenerous Pension Scheme and sick payEmployee Assistance ProgrammeMears Rewards - discount voucher scheme for a host of household name retailers, including supermarkets, offering savings on purchasesExcellent training and development opportunitiesMears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work! Previous years include, Alton Towers, Drayton Manor etcVolunteering Leave - Mears supports e
Additional Information
Annual salary: up to £91,000.00 Senior Estimating Manager Location: Homebased - Remote, with UK travel Contract: Full-time, Permanent Hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday Salary: Up to £91,000, plus £4,800 car allowance
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