Job Description

Senior Estimator
Location: Dartford
Type: Permanent
Industry: M&E
About the Client
Our client is an established environmental and building services contractor delivering technically led mechanical and electrical solutions. The business supports commercial, residential, public-sector and specialist refurbishment projects, with a clear focus on safe delivery, technical quality and long-term client relationships.

Due to continued growth and a strong project pipeline, they are seeking a Estimating Manager / Senior Estimator to join their team in Dartford. The successful candidate will lead the estimating function and coordinate high-quality tender submissions, ensuring consistent pricing governance, risk assessment and effective bid-to-project handover.

This position will work closely with project leadership, commercial, design, planning and supply-chain stakeholders, providing clear ownership of the role's key deliverables and helping the wider team achieve programme, quality, safety and financial objectives.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the estimating team and allocate resources across live tenders and pipeline opportunities.
• Set bid strategy, pricing methodology and tender governance in collaboration with senior leadership.
• Review enquiries, scope requirements, design information and contractual risk.
• Oversee measurement, supplier engagement, labour build-ups and subcontract pricing.
• Chair tender adjudications and ensure assumptions, qualifications and risk allowances are robust.
• Drive value engineering, bid optimisation and continuous improvement of estimating processes.
• Coordinate with design, planning, commercial and operational teams to produce deliverable solutions.
• Manage client clarifications, interviews, negotiations and final tender submissions.
• Ensure comprehensive handover of successful bids to project delivery teams.
• Develop estimating team capability, benchmarking and cost-data quality

Ideal Candidate

• Proven experience leading or operating at senior level within an estimating function.
• Strong knowledge of tender strategy, first-principles pricing, supply-chain engagement and risk assessment.
• Able to manage multiple bids, deadlines and stakeholders without compromising quality.
• Confident leader with strong commercial judgement and client-facing communication skills.

Requirements/Experience 

• Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, schedules and tender documentation.
• Strong Excel skills; experience with specialist estimating software is advantageous.
• Ability to travel to and work from the Dartford location as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Generous annual leave and company pension provision.
• Flexible or hybrid working may be available where compatible with the role and project requirements.
• Ongoing training, professional development and clear career-progression opportunities.
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging, high-profile projects.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment with a strong focus on safety, quality and continuous improvement.
• Long-term career stability within a growing business and secured project pipeline.