Estimating Manager (Head of Estimating Opportunity)
Strategic Leadership Opportunity | London
Salary: Competitive, depending on relevant experience
Location: London (Crystal Palace area – office & site-based)
Full time / Permanent
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager / Senior Estimator to lead and build an in-house estimating function for a well-established refurbishment contractor.
You will take ownership of estimating across refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects (£500k–£5m+), working across social housing, public sector, education and heritage schemes.
This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role, taking responsibility for tendering, bid strategy and building an estimating department from scratch.
The Opportunity
- Lead and develop the estimating function (currently outsourced)
- Take full ownership of tendering and bid management
- Work on refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects
- Operate across public sector, social housing, education and heritage sectors
- Work closely with senior leadership on commercial strategy and growth
- Introduce structure, systems and best practice into estimating
This role offers senior-level responsibility with clear influence over the direction of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare and manage tender submissions for refurbishment and fit-out projects
- Lead estimating activities from first principles (tender set-up through to submission)
- Review drawings, specifications and contract documentation
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities
- Build and manage subcontractor and supply chain relationships
- Improve tender win rates and estimating performance
- Support transition from outsourced to in-house estimating
Requirements
- Proven experience as an Estimator / Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager
- Strong background in refurbishment, fit-out or D&B projects
- Experience delivering public sector, social housing or education schemes (heritage beneficial)
- Experience working on projects in the £500k–£5m+ range
- Ability to set up tenders from scratch, not just pricing
- Strong commercial awareness and technical understanding
- Ambition to progress into a Head of Estimating / leadership role
Why Apply?
✔️ Opportunity to build and lead an estimating department
✔️ Work on complex refurbishment and public sector projects
✔️ Clear progression into Head of Estimating
✔️ Strong pipeline across social housing, education and heritage sectors
✔️ Stable, growing contractor with long-term opportunities
Apply now or contact us for a confidential discussion.
