Job Purpose
The Estimating Manager is responsible for producing accurate, competitive, and detailed tenders that are submitted within agreed deadlines through close collaboration with the Pre-Construction team.
The role is key to maintaining strong relationships with prospective clients, consultants, and, most importantly, Alliance Leisure, helping to secure repeat business and future tender opportunities. The Estimating Manager will also provide detailed pricing build-ups to the Contracts team to ensure successful project delivery following contract award.
The ultimate objective is to secure sufficient profitable work to support the Company's continued growth in line with the Business Plan while maintaining the Company's reputation for quality, professionalism, fairness, and successful project delivery.
Reporting Structure
The Estimating Manager reports directly to the Business Manager.
In the absence of the Business Manager or designated Senior Manager, the role reports to the relevant Company Director.
Key Responsibilities
Tender Preparation
Review and analyse tender documentation to identify project requirements, risks, contractual obligations, and commercial opportunities.
Produce detailed quantity take-offs and Bills of Quantities (BoQ).
Prepare tenders for both Traditional and Design & Build contracts.
Prepare, review and amend rate build-ups as required.
Identify enquiry packages and issue enquiries to suppliers and subcontractors, including relevant specifications, drawings, and preliminary requirements.
Monitor quotation returns and manage the enquiry process.
Analyse supplier and subcontractor quotations and select the most appropriate submissions for inclusion within tenders.
Arrange and undertake site visits where required, recording existing site conditions through notes and photographs.
Assess labour, plant, material and subcontract costs and prepare accurate pricing.
Develop project preliminaries using standard company formats, working with Contracts Managers to establish construction programmes and project durations.
Consider alternative construction methodologies and determine project-specific preliminary requirements.
Review completed estimates for accuracy and arrange independent checking by another estimator prior to submission.
Budgets and Cost Planning
Produce budget estimates and cost plans using the same principles as tender preparation, with an appropriate level of detail based on project stage and available information.
Tender Review and Submission
Prepare tender build-ups and present pricing for adjudication with the Pre-Construction Manager, Operations Team and Business Manager or Director.
Explain:
Project scope
Pricing methodology
Key assumptions
Commercial risks
Known competitors
Incorporate agreed amendments following adjudication.
Complete all tender documentation and ensure submission by the required deadline.
Project Handover
Collate all tender information and pricing build-ups.
Complete the Estimator's Handover Report.
Arrange handover meetings with the Contracts Department within one week of receipt of a Letter of Intent, Contract Award or Firm Notice of Intent.
Attend handover meetings to present the project and provide supporting documentation.
Pre-Tender Meetings
Liaise with the Sales and Marketing Department and relevant Director regarding client pre-tender meetings.
Attend presentations where required.
Present and respond to questions relating to project costs and pricing.
Post-Tender Meetings
Attend meetings with clients following tender submission.
Participate in value engineering exercises where appropriate.
Liaise with internal departments, suppliers and subcontractors to develop cost-effective solutions.
Estimating Quality Assurance
Review and check estimates prepared by other estimators as required.
Provide support and technical guidance to colleagues during tender preparation.
Assist with budget costing across the department.
General Responsibilities
Develop and maintain professional relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.
Assist in the selection of materials and subcontractors, recommending alternative products or construction methods where beneficial.
Organise meetings, including preparation of agendas, chairing meetings where appropriate, and issuing minutes or actions.
Record existing site conditions using written reports and photographic evidence to support tender preparation.
Ensure completed tenders are submitted correctly and on time, working with Marketing and Administration teams where necessary.
Produce regular reports including:
Tenders submitted
Tender success rates
Win/loss analysis
Other management reports as requested
Coach and mentor trainees and junior estimators within the estimating department.
Support continuous improvement initiatives within the department.
Undertake additional duties appropriate to the role as the business develops and grows.
Carry out any other reasonable duties requested by management.
Person Specification
The successful candidate will demonstrate:
Strong commercial awareness and estimating expertise.
Excellent analytical and numerical skills.
High attention to detail and accuracy.
Strong communication and presentation skills.
Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.
Good negotiation and relationship-building skills.
Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
Ability to work collaboratively with operational and commercial teams.
A proactive approach to problem solving and continuous improvement.
Key Relationships
Internal
Business Manager
Company Directors
Pre-Construction Team
Contracts Managers
Quantity Surveyors
Sales & Marketing Team
Administration Team
External
Clients
Consultants
Architects
Suppliers
Subcontractors
Alliance Leisure
Salary description
£90000.00 - £110000.00 per year