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.