Senior Estimating Manager
Location: Home based or Hybrid with access to regional offices.
Salary: Up to £95,000, plus package & car allowance.
Role Overview
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
- 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.
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.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
- 3 x Life assurance.
- Private medical care for you and your family.
- £4,800 car allowance.
- Generous Pension Scheme and sick pay.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Company Rewards – discount voucher scheme for a host of household name retailers.
- Excellent training and development opportunities.
Equal Opportunities
Howells are an Equal Opportunities employer. All applications will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.
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