Managing Estimator – Commercial Fit Out

Location: London

Sector: Commercial Fit Out & Refurbishment

Project Value: Up to £50m

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Managing Estimator to join a leading commercial fit-out and refurbishment contractor delivering high-quality projects across London and the wider UK.

The business has an excellent reputation within the commercial fit-out market and is looking for an experienced estimator to take a senior position within its pre-construction function. This is a key leadership role, combining hands-on estimating responsibilities with the management and development of the wider estimating team.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to work on a diverse range of complex commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects, with values ranging up to £50m.

The Role

As Managing Estimator, you will take responsibility for managing the estimating function across multiple live tenders, ensuring projects are accurately priced, commercially robust and delivered within required timescales.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading the estimating function across multiple concurrent tenders.
• Managing and overseeing the preparation of tenders from initial enquiry through to submission and adjudication.
• Taking a lead role on larger and more complex projects, typically up to £50m.
• Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, specifications and employer`s requirements.
• Developing detailed and competitive cost plans and estimates.
• Managing the preparation of bills of quantities, scope documents and tender breakdowns.
• Reviewing subcontractor and supplier quotations and negotiating competitive returns.
• Identifying commercial and contractual risks and ensuring these are reflected within tenders.
• Working closely with Pre-Construction, Commercial, Design and Construction teams throughout the tender process.
• Presenting tenders and recommendations to senior management and the wider leadership team.
• Attending client and consultant meetings where required and supporting the wider business development process.
• Providing commercial and estimating input into value engineering and alternative design solutions.
• Managing, mentoring and developing junior, intermediate and senior estimators.
• Reviewing workloads and allocating tenders effectively across the estimating team.
• Supporting the recruitment and development of new members of the estimating function.
• Contributing to the continual improvement of estimating processes, systems and best practice across the business.

About You

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Senior Estimator, Lead Estimator or Managing Estimator with a strong background in commercial fit out and refurbishment.

You will ideally have:

• Significant estimating experience within a main contractor environment.
• A strong track record delivering commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects.
• Experience pricing projects up to £50m.
• Proven experience managing and developing other estimators.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor procurement, supply chains and market rates.
• Excellent understanding of construction methodology, sequencing and buildability.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage risk.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• The confidence to liaise with clients, consultants, subcontractors and senior management.
• The ability to manage multiple tenders and competing deadlines.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and value engineering.

A relevant construction qualification is desirable, although significant relevant industry experience will also be considered.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator looking to take the next step into a Managing Estimator / Head of Estimating-style position, with genuine responsibility for both major tenders and the development of an estimating team.

The successful candidate will join a well-established commercial fit-out contractor with a strong project pipeline, offering the opportunity to work on high-profile projects up to £50m while playing a key role in the continued growth and development of the pre-construction function.

If you are an experienced Senior or Managing Estimator looking for a position where you can combine hands-on estimating with team leadership and wider commercial responsibility, this could be an excellent next step.