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
The Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to lead the preparation and submission of competitive tenders across a range of procurement routes.
Working as part of our preconstruction team, you will play a key role in securing profitable, sustainable workload. You will take ownership of the tender process — from initial appraisal and risk identification through to settlement and handover — ensuring robust, accurate and commercially sound submissions.
What You’ll Be Doing
Leading tender appraisals, risk management and bid strategy
Preparing detailed analytical cost estimates, budgets and cost plans
Managing subcontractor enquiries, analysis and adjudication
Driving value engineering and supporting design development
Presenting tenders to senior management at settlement meetings
Mentoring junior estimators and supporting team development
What We’re Looking For
Construction-related HND/Degree (or equivalent)
Significant experience in estimating across sectors such as commercial, education, healthcare and industrial
Strong knowledge of traditional, Design & Build (including two-stage) and framework procurement
Proven commercial awareness and risk management capability
Proficiency in Conquest and strong Excel skills
Excellent communication skills with the ability to influence and present at senior level
A proactive, detail-focused and collaborative approach
This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute estimator ready to take the lead on complex bids and contribute to the continued growth of the business.
What We Offer
Competitive salary + car allowance
Pension matched up to 8%
26 days’ holiday + long service & flexible options
Private medical, life assurance & enhanced family leave
Flexible working, paid professional fees & extensive benefits
About Tilbury Douglas
We’re a leading UK construction and engineering company delivering major projects across health, infrastructure, defence and more. Proud Investors in Diversity Silver.
BPSS clearance required. No sponsorship available
