Senior Estimating Manager
Location: Homebased - Remote, with UK travel
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £91,000, plus £4,800 car allowance
About the Role
The Senior Estimator is a key role within the commercial estimating and tendering function, responsible for producing high-quality, competitive and compliant bids across all business streams. You will develop robust cost models, assess risk, collaborate with operational and commercial stakeholders, and ensure all estimating outputs meet the standards set by the Head of Estimating.
This role works closely with Business Development, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to support sustainable growth and protect margin. You will report directly to the Head of Estimating.
Key Responsibilities
Purpose
Lead the preparation of robust, compliant and competitive estimates aligned to company commercial strategy
Ensure pricing, methodology, risk and assumptions are clearly articulated and aligned with operational delivery
Provide analytical insight, industry knowledge and commercial judgement to support tender adjudications
Contribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, knowledge bases and governance frameworksEstimating & Commercial Proposal Development
Prepare detailed estimates and commercial submissions for tenders across Repairs & Maintenance (including M&E and Planned Works), Central Government housing and support, Decarbonisation and Net Zero programmes, and DLO support
Build cost models from first principles with accuracy and commercial integrity
Support value engineering, scenario modelling and pricing strategy development
Analyse tender documentation, specifications and operational data to ensure deliverable proposals
Provide clear written and verbal summaries of assumptions, pricing logic and risksTender Governance & Risk Management
Ensure all estimating outputs meet internal governance standards for completeness and compliance
Support tender clarifications, RFIs and responses to client queries
Assist with commercial review of contracts and legal documents alongside Legal and Operations
Identify and document key financial and delivery risks for adjudicationStakeholder Engagement & Communication
Work collaboratively with Business Development and Operations to ensure bids reflect operational capability
Engage with supply chain partners to secure competitive quotations and maintain market intelligence
Present estimating outputs and recommendations to senior stakeholders when requiredMobilisation & Continuous Improvement
Support mobilisation teams post-award, ensuring clarity of estimating assumptions
Participate in post-contract reviews and outturn cost analysis to improve future pricing
Contribute to enhancements in systems, templates, cost databases and knowledge repositoriesTeam Support & Development
Act as a senior technical resource, providing mentoring to junior estimators
Promote accuracy, commercial discipline and collaborative working
Deputise for the Head of Estimating when requiredEssential Experience:
Significant experience in social housing, R&M, planned works or related construction estimating
Strong working knowledge of NHF Schedule of Rates
Proven experience producing cost models and pricing strategies for medium-large tenders
Experience engaging with clients, supply chain and internal stakeholders
Ability to manage multiple bids to tight deadlines
Good understanding of NEC and JCT contract forms
Strong analytical skills and commercial awarenessDesirable Experience:
Experience in a large contracting or housing services environment
Familiarity with estimating software and data analytics tools
Professional qualification in QS, Construction Management or similar (or working towards)Key Skills & Attributes
Strong numerical ability and exceptional attention to detail
Clear, confident communicator able to explain commercial reasoning to all audiences
Proactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindset
Ability to interpret complex specifications and technical documentation
Highly organised, deadline-driven and able to prioritise effectively
Collaborative team player with mentoring capability
Strong commercial judgement and ability to challenge assumptions constructivelyBenefits:
Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and much more
25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
3 x Life assurance
private medical care for you and your family
£4,800 car allowance
Generous Pension Scheme and sick pay
Employee Assistance Programme
Mears Rewards - discount voucher scheme for a host of household name retailers, including supermarkets, offering savings on purchases
Excellent training and development opportunities
Mears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work! Previous years include, Alton Towers, Drayton Manor etc
Volunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake volunteering in the community for two days per year, in support of our social value commitmentAll our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.
Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact:
Laura Crosby ((url removed))
If you need any help with your application process, we are here to support you. We will be accessible every step of the way.
At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) to coincide with this, we hold an Endorser Award for the Career Transition Partnership, recognising our commitment to veterans transitioning into civilian careers.
In our continued effort to promote social mobility, we invite applicants to voluntarily share their background information during the application stages to help us better understand the diverse experiences of our candidates. This is to ensure we are committed to improving social mobility. We use the Social Mobility Index to assess and enhance opportunities for individuals from diverse backgrounds. These questions are optional and will not impact your ability to apply
Salary description
£91000.00 - £91000.00 per year