Head of Estimating

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