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Purpose of the Role
The Senior Estimator will take ownership of the pre-construction process from initial tender through to contract award, ensuring a smooth handover to delivery teams. The role also includes providing timely commercial support and maintaining a high level of accuracy and compliance throughout the estimating function.
Key Responsibilities
- Review tender documentation (ITT) to confirm scope, constraints, and key dates.
- Lead tender launch meetings to establish strategy, milestones, and responsibilities.
- Define deliverables for tender returns with clear ownership across the team (e.g. programme, quality, social value).
- Coordinate with design teams and stakeholders to refine technical solutions.
- Undertake site visits to assess access, logistics, and constraints.
- Prepare Bills of Quantities and cost plans using Conquest or similar estimating software.
- Manage supply-chain engagement: issue compliant enquiries, respond to queries, and drive competitive coverage.
- Collaborate with internal teams including:
- Project/Contracts Managers on programme, methodology, and logistics.
- Procurement on materials and product selection.
- Health & Safety leads on project-specific requirements.
- Maintain and contribute to project risk registers.
- Lead mid-tender reviews, presenting status, risks, and opportunities to senior leadership.
- Produce fully compliant and competitively priced submissions, ensuring all return forms are completed accurately and submitted on time.
- Manage structured handover processes, presenting the estimate to delivery teams and issuing supporting documentation.
- Track and resolve all queries and actions promptly.
Skills & Experience
- Proven background in leading tenders within a main contractor environment.
- Strong knowledge of buildability, construction methodologies, and logistics.
- Proficiency with estimating software (Conquest or equivalent) and MS Office tools.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Strong organisational ability, with a focus on deadlines, compliance, and governance.
