Senior Estimator
Location: Hybrid – Newry and/or Belfast (Flexible Working Available)
Our Client
Our client is a highly successful and growing construction contractor with an excellent reputation for delivering complex projects across a diverse range of sectors. Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of upcoming work, they are now seeking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to join their Pre-Construction team.
This is a key appointment within the business, offering the opportunity to play a strategic role in securing future projects and contributing to the company’s ongoing success.
The Opportunity
As Senior Estimator, you will lead the preparation of accurate, commercially competitive, and high-quality tender submissions across a range of construction opportunities. Working closely with senior management, commercial teams, planners, operational teams, and supply chain partners, you will help develop winning bid strategies while providing valuable commercial insight throughout the tender process.
This position would suit a commercially minded professional who enjoys working on complex bids, influencing tender strategy, and mentoring less experienced team members.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Cost Planning
- Lead the preparation of detailed construction cost estimates from first principles.
- Produce budget estimates, target costs, and competitive tender submissions.
- Ensure pricing information and cost data remain accurate, up to date, and commercially robust.
- Prepare estimates using EVALUATE estimating software or similar estimating platforms.
Tender & Bid Management
- Work collaboratively with bid teams, planners, commercial personnel, and operational stakeholders to develop successful tender strategies.
- Manage the preparation of tender documentation, including pricing schedules, cost plans, and supporting commercial information.
- Produce tender reports, risk registers, and opportunity assessments for internal bid reviews.
Supply Chain & Stakeholder Management
- Build strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive quotations and comprehensive scope coverage.
- Liaise with clients, consultants, designers, and quantity surveyors throughout the tender process.
- Attend and contribute to mid-tender and post-tender presentations and interviews as required.
Commercial & Technical Evaluation
- Review drawings, specifications, and design information to accurately assess project requirements.
- Identify key commercial risks, programme constraints, and value engineering opportunities.
- Provide commercial advice and recommendations to support tender decision-making.
Bid Handover & Continuous Improvement
- Present final estimates and recommendations during internal review meetings.
- Support the successful handover of awarded projects to the Commercial and Delivery teams.
- Capture feedback and lessons learned to support continuous improvement across future bids.
Candidate Requirements
The successful candidate will be a highly organised and commercially focused professional with strong leadership capabilities and a proven track record in construction estimating.
You will ideally possess:
- Significant experience within construction estimating, quantity surveying, or a related commercial function.
- Demonstrable success in preparing estimates and tender submissions for construction projects.
- Strong understanding of construction methodologies, procurement routes, and cost planning principles.
- Knowledge of standard forms of contract and methods of measurement within the UK and Irish construction markets.
- Excellent analytical, organisational, and problem-solving skills.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- The ability to manage multiple tender opportunities and work to tight deadlines.
Qualifications
- Degree (Level 8 or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Experience using estimating software is advantageous but not essential.
Package & Benefits
In return, our client offers:
- Salary is highly negotiable based on experience and comprehensive benefits package.
- Pension contribution.
- Private healthcare insurance.
- Generous annual leave entitlement.
- Ongoing learning and development opportunities.
- Clear career progression pathways.
- Exposure to large-scale and complex construction projects.
- A collaborative and supportive working environment.
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