Senior Estimator

Location: Central London

Company: A leading interior fit-out and refurbishment specialist

Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially astute Senior Estimator to join the pre-construction team of an established Main Contractor who deliver a range of projects including Design & Build, Traditional contracting and more. This individual will play a pivotal role in developing high-quality, competitive tenders for fast-paced, design-led fit-out and refurbishment projects — typically ranging up to £20million.

This is a key position within our business, helping us secure and shape future projects while working closely with clients, consultants, and internal stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed, accurate, and timely cost estimates for Cat A, Cat B, and refurbishment projects.
• Develop conceptual budgets from early-stage client briefs or limited design information.
• Analyse tender documents, identifying key risks, opportunities, and value engineering options.
• Coordinate and manage the tender process, including subcontractor inquiries, clarifications, and reconciliations.
• Prepare full Contract Sum Analyses and contribute to commercial strategy for competitive submissions.
• Support pre-, mid-, and post-tender interviews and workshops with clients and project stakeholders.
• Produce estimate reports detailing costs, contingencies, margins, and programme assumptions.
• Collaborate closely with pre-construction, commercial, and project delivery teams to ensure a smooth transition post-award.
• Maintain up-to-date records on bid performance, feedback, win rates, and supply chain performance.
• Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating function.
• Support document preparation and presentation materials in conjunction with the marketing and bid teams.
• Keep abreast of competitor activity and industry trends to inform pricing and strategy.

Required Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in an estimating role within the interior fit-out, refurbishment, or related construction sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of D&B, traditional, and two-stage procurement routes.
• Demonstrated ability to develop budgets and pricing from early-stage or incomplete design information.
• Excellent commercial awareness and established relationships within the subcontractor and supply chain network.
• High level of numeracy, accuracy, and attention to detail.
• Competence with estimating software (e.g., Evaluate, BidWork, Conquest, or similar platforms).
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present clearly to both internal and external audiences.
• A collaborative team player with a proactive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tenders simultaneously while meeting deadlines.