Senior Estimator

We are working with a well-established, privately owned Tier 1 main contractor with a strong presence in the North East and a robust pipeline of projects within education and public-sector frameworks. The company is highly regarded for its sustainable approach, people-focused culture, and consistent delivery on high-value projects.

About the role
You will join a small, close-knit commercial team of four, reporting directly to the Regional Commercial Manager. The role involves managing and completing project take-offs to the required level of detail, up to SMM 7/NRM2, across all trades. Projects typically range from 5m- 50m and are mainly commissioned via local authorities or DfE, with frameworks including Scope, Procurement Hub, and DfE.

Key responsibilities

Commercial responsibilities

• Produce robust and accurate cost plans, tracking concept designs through to target price and guiding design teams on affordability.

• Identify opportunities to add value, manage risks, and provide practical solutions throughout the project lifecycle.

• Collaborate with the project team to cost value engineering options and support design changes through RIBA stages.

• Develop tender procurement strategies, ensuring profit plans, supply chain engagement, and design milestones are achieved.

• Complete or manage project take-offs to SMM 7/NRM2 standards for all trades and analyse work package quotes to ensure accurate pricing.

• Maintain preconstruction documentation, including Tender Summary Books, Preliminary Books, work package schedules, and cost plans.

• Provide comprehensive cost information for substantiation and CRM meetings and conduct benchmarking to set package target costs.

• Peer review colleagues' work where required.

Supply chain and project delivery

• Lead procurement strategy and supply chain engagement, prioritising key trades to deliver on milestones.

• Capture lessons learned from project delivery, including sequencing, logistics, buildability, and durations, and use insights to improve future estimating practices.

Technical and customer focus

• Ensure all design and survey fees are captured and advise on material selection and design affordability.

• Perform cost assessments and scenario analyses during optioneering.

• Build strong relationships with clients and consultants, acting as a trusted cost advisor and providing data-driven solutions to meet customer requirements.

Leadership and personal effectiveness

• Take ownership and accountability for delivering work to the highest standards.

• Communicate effectively, embrace challenges, and support team development in a safe, collaborative learning environment.

• Actively support the estimating discipline and align with the company's strategy and values.

Skills, qualifications and memberships

Essential:

• Good numeracy skills and strong written and spoken English.

• Five GCSEs (A-C grade) or equivalent, including maths.

• A BTEC in Building Studies, Building Engineering, or Building Management, or a HNC/HND/Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or Civil Engineering (including an industrial placement). Courses should cover contract tendering, estimating, and buying.

• Minimum relevant level 4 qualification (HNC, NVQ4, etc.).

Experience:

• Proven experience as a senior estimator in a Tier 1, Tier 2 or a large Regional contracting environment.

• Strong understanding of public-sector frameworks and the North East project market.

• Excellent commercial awareness, analytical ability, and communication skills.

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to 85k.

• Profit share bonus (8-10%), consistently paid and with salary sacrifice options.

• Car allowance ( 3.5k) or salary sacrifice car schemes.

• 25 days holiday plus statutory holidays and birthday off.

• Supportive, collaborative, and people-focused culture.

• Opportunity to work on high-value, impactful projects within a leading Tier 1 contractor.

This is an exceptional opportunity to join a respected, forward-thinking contractor at a senior level and make a tangible impact on the commercial success of North East operations.

Apply now to join a company that values its people, invests in their development, and delivers quality projects across the public and education sectors.