Estimator / Commercial Manager

Location: Essex

Our client is a well-established and growing main contractor with an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality construction and refurbishment projects across the Retail, Education and Healthcare sectors. With a diverse project portfolio ranging from £5to £500k - £2 million, they are looking to appoint an experienced Estimator / Commercial Manager to strengthen their pre-construction and commercial team.

The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced construction professional who is passionate about pre-construction but also wants to remain involved throughout the delivery of a project.

The role is heavily focused on estimating, tendering and winning work, with the successful candidate taking commercial ownership of projects once they have been secured. Rather than handing projects over after award, you will remain involved, ensuring commercial continuity from tender stage through to final account.

This position would suit someone who enjoys building client relationships, developing winning bids and taking responsibility for the commercial success of projects throughout their lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities:

Pre-Construction

• Lead the estimating process for competitive tenders and negotiated opportunities.
• Prepare accurate cost estimates, pricing schedules and tender submissions.
• Review drawings, specifications and tender documentation.
• Obtain and assess subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Identify project risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Support bid strategy and contribute to successful tender submissions.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and internal stakeholders throughout the pre-construction process.

Commercial Management

• Take commercial responsibility for projects following contract award.
• Manage project budgets, forecasts and cost reporting.
• Prepare valuations and applications for payment.
• Procure and manage subcontractor packages.
• Administer variations, change control and contractual matters.
• Monitor project profitability and financial performance.
• Negotiate and agree final accounts with clients and subcontractors.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure commercially successful project delivery.

About You

The ideal candidate will be commercially astute with a strong background in pre-construction, alongside proven experience managing the commercial aspects of live construction projects.

You will have:

• Proven estimating experience within the construction industry.
• Strong knowledge of pre-construction and tender management.
• Experience managing projects commercially from contract award through to final account.
• Experience within Retail, Education and/or Healthcare construction projects.
• Excellent commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
• Strong communication and relationship-building abilities.
• The ability to manage multiple tenders and live projects simultaneously.
• A proactive, organised and solutions-focused approach.

What`s on Offer

• A genuinely varied role spanning both pre-construction and commercial management.
• Long-term career progression within an ambitious and expanding contractor.
• Opportunity to work on a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from £50k to £2m.
• A collaborative and supportive working environment where your contribution will directly influence the success of the business.