Head of Estimating

Estimating Manager (Head of Estimating Opportunity)

Strategic Leadership Opportunity | London

Location: London (Crystal Palace area – office & site-based)

Full time / Permanent

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager / Senior Estimator to lead and build an in-house estimating function for a well-established refurbishment contractor.

You will take ownership of estimating across refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects (£500k–£5m+), working across social housing, public sector, education and heritage schemes.

This is a unique opportunity to step into a leadership role, taking responsibility for tendering, bid strategy and building an estimating department from scratch.

The Opportunity

• Lead and develop the estimating function (currently outsourced)
• Take full ownership of tendering and bid management
• Work on refurbishment, fit-out and D&B projects
• Operate across public sector, social housing, education and heritage sectors
• Work closely with senior leadership on commercial strategy and growth
• Introduce structure, systems and best practice into estimating

This role offers senior-level responsibility with clear influence over the direction of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage tender submissions for refurbishment and fit-out projects
• Lead estimating activities from first principles (tender set‑up through to submission)
• Review drawings, specifications and contract documentation
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities
• Build and manage subcontractor and supply chain relationships
• Improve tender win rates and estimating performance
• Support transition from outsourced to in‑house estimating

Requirements

• Strong background in refurbishment, fit‑out or D&B projects
• Experience delivering public sector, social housing or education schemes (heritage beneficial)
• Experience working on projects in the £500k–£5m+ range
• Ability to set up tenders from scratch, not just pricing
• Strong commercial awareness and technical understanding
• Ambition to progress into a Head of Estimating / leadership role

Why Apply?

• Opportunity to build and lead an estimating department
• Work on complex refurbishment and public sector projects
• Clear progression into Head of Estimating
• Strong pipeline across social housing, education and heritage sectors
• Stable, growing contractor with long‑term opportunities

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