Senior Estimator

The Opportunity

As Senior Estimator, you will lead the preparation and submission of high-quality, competitive tenders across a range of procurement routes.

Working closely with preconstruction and operational teams, you will play a key role in securing profitable and sustainable future workload for the business. You will apply advanced construction knowledge, commercial expertise, and leadership capability to manage risk, drive value, and ensure robust and accurate pricing throughout the tender lifecycle.

What you will be doing

• Lead the appraisal of tender documentation, identifying key risks, opportunities, and commercial drivers.
• Develop and agree bid strategies in collaboration with senior management and the wider bid team.
• Oversee the preparation and issue of material and subcontract enquiries, including supply chain engagement and selection.
• Review site conditions and undertake site visits to identify constraints and risk factors.
• Contribute to and influence design development, attending and leading design team meetings where required.
• Prepare and/or manage the production of Bills of Quantities and detailed analytical cost estimates, including preliminaries.
• Develop comprehensive budgets and cost plans aligned with client and business objectives.
• Analyse and adjudicate subcontractor quotations to ensure technical compliance, competitiveness, and best value.
• Lead the management of technical queries to ensure design information is sufficiently developed for accurate pricing.
• Proactively manage risk throughout the tender period, including ownership of the tender Risk Register.
• Drive value engineering initiatives during the design phase, particularly on Design & Build projects.
• Present tender submissions at settlement meetings, clearly articulating commercial positions, key risks, and opportunities.
• Ensure timely and compliant completion and submission of all tender documentation.
• Provide leadership and support to junior estimators and contribute to their development.
• Ensure a structured and effective handover to the delivery team upon project award.
• Support Business Continuity Planning, ensuring both personal and team awareness of responsibilities.

What we will need from you

• HND, Degree, or equivalent qualification in a construction-related discipline.
• Significant experience in analytical estimating across multiple sectors including industrial, commercial, education, and healthcare, on projects typically up to and exceeding £20m.
• Strong working knowledge of various procurement routes including traditional, partnering, Design & Build (including two-stage tenders), and frameworks.
• Proven ability to lead complex tender processes and influence bid strategy.
• Proficiency in Conquest estimating software and strong capability in Microsoft Office applications (particularly Excel).
• Well-developed technical construction knowledge and understanding of Building Regulations and industry standards.
• Experience in cost planning, budget preparation, and value engineering.
• Awareness and practical understanding of BIM, including the ability to interrogate 3D design models.
• Strong commercial awareness and risk management capability.
• Excellent numerical and analytical skills with a high level of attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while also leading and collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with confidence in presenting to senior management.
• Ability to work under pressure, manage multiple deadlines, and prioritise effectively.
• Professional, proactive, and solutions-focused approach.
• Commitment to continuous professional development and the mentoring and development of others.

What we can offer you

• Competitive salary
• Car Allowance
• 26 days annual leave (with the opportunity to buy or sell up to 3 days holiday)
• 3 additional long service days achieved after 3, 7 and 10 years
• Private medical insurance for yourself (with the option to buy family cover)
• Life Assurance
• Defined contribution pension scheme matched up to 8%
• Enhanced maternity, paternity and parental leave
• 2 days volunteering opportunities
• Flexible and Agile working (dependent on your role)
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional membership fees
• Perks at Work Employee discount scheme offering discounts on a range of categories such as electronics, home appliances, food & groceries, car buying, travel, fitness and more
• Flexible Benefits scheme which includes the opportunity to purchase benefits such as:
  • Critical illness insurance (with option to purchase for your partner)
  • Dental Insurance
  • Travel insurance
  • Cycle to work scheme
  • Retail vouchers/payroll giving/activity pass for top leisure attractions

Who we are

Tilbury Douglas is a leading UK building, infrastructure, engineering and fit-out company. We deliver vital projects across a range of sectors including health, education, highways, justice, defence, aviation, water and environment.

It is our people who make Tilbury Douglas a success. We believe our inclusive culture encourages new ways of thinking, enabling us to innovate whilst remaining resilient. We value and celebrate all individual differences and look forward to receiving your application.

We are proud to announce that we have retained our Investors in Diversity Silver Award.

Please note that this role is subject to Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) clearance which includes identity, employment history, and criminal record checks.

Please note we do not have a sponsorship licence.

We look forward to receiving your application

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