Estimating Manager
Location: Brentwood
Salary: Up to £55,000 depending on experience
Benefits: Bonus, pension, holidays, plus many more
Are you an experienced estimating professional with a strong commercial mindset and a passion for leading high-performing teams? We're looking for an Estimating Manager to lead our estimating function, ensuring accurate, competitive, and profitable pricing across multiple contracts while driving operational excellence.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role within a growing business, working closely with Operations, Supply Chain, and senior stakeholders to deliver commercially robust solutions that support business success and client satisfaction.
About the Role
As the Estimating Manager, you'll be responsible for managing and developing a team of Estimators, ensuring the consistent delivery of accurate estimates, quotations, and cost management solutions.
You'll oversee high-volume estimating activities, lead governance and compliance processes, and drive continuous improvement across the department. Success in this role will come from your ability to balance commercial competitiveness with profitability while maintaining exceptional service standards.
Key Responsibilities
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Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Estimators across multiple contracts.
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Ensure best practice estimating processes are followed consistently.
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Manage and oversee the ETCW workstream administration process, escalating any non-conformities where required.
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Produce and support management reporting, analysis, and performance reviews.
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Deliver training and development initiatives to improve team capability and accuracy.
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Prepare accurate and detailed cost estimates and quotations, ensuring all commercial elements are captured.
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Source, evaluate, and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations to achieve value for money.
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Manage high-volume estimating activity while maintaining target profit margins.
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Collaborate with internal stakeholders, clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to ensure clear project requirements and cost understanding.
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Support the development of operationally sound and commercially focused business processes.
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Ensure all estimates comply with company policies, contractual obligations, HSQE requirements, and industry regulations.
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Contribute to departmental KPI achievement and business objectives.
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Build strong relationships across the business to identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
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Maintain a comprehensive understanding of contract requirements and deliverables.
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Respond effectively to client requests and performance SLAs in a fast-paced environment.
About You
We're looking for a commercially driven leader who combines technical estimating expertise with strong people management skills.
You will have:
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Previous experience in a technical estimating leadership or management role.
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Proven experience managing and developing estimating teams.
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Strong understanding of cost estimation, pricing strategies, labour, materials, and subcontractor costs.
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Knowledge of construction, engineering, facilities management, or related technical environments.
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Experience working with CDM Regulations, compliance requirements, and HSQE standards.
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Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and project documentation.
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Advanced analytical skills with experience using Excel and estimating systems.
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Strong negotiation and supplier management experience.
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Excellent organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
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Strong commercial awareness and understanding of profit margins, budgeting, and financial performance.
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Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
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A proactive, flexible, and solutions-focused approach.
What You'll Bring
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Strong leadership and coaching capability.
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Commercially aware decision-making.
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Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
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The ability to work effectively under pressure and meet demanding deadlines.
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A collaborative and customer-focused mindset.
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A commitment to safety, compliance, and ethical working practices.
