Head of Estimating

Head of Estimating (Cladding Remediation & Retrofit)

Location: Warrington (Northwest-based candidates preferred)

Working Pattern: Hybrid - 4 days office-based initially

Salary: Circa £85,000 + Package

About the Company

Our client is a well-established Northwest contractor specialising in cladding remediation and retrofit solutions, delivering projects across both private and local authority sectors.

With a strong pipeline of high-rise remediation schemes, they focus heavily on:

• High-rise cladding remediation
• Fire barrier installation and upgrades
• External Wall Insulation (EWI)
• Retrofit and building safety works

Due to sustained growth and an expanding order book, they are seeking either an experienced Head of Estimating or a Senior Estimator ready to step into a leadership role to lead their Warrington-based estimating function.

The Role

This is a key leadership position responsible for managing the estimating department (currently 3 estimators) and overseeing all pricing activity, with a particular emphasis on cladding remediation.

The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in securing new work, managing 2-stage tenders, and ensuring commercially sound and competitive submissions.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management

• Lead and manage a team of 3 estimators in the Warrington office
• Oversee workload allocation, mentoring, and development
• Implement structured estimating processes and best practice

Estimating & Tendering

• Prepare and oversee detailed Bills of Quantities (BOQs)
• Interpret technical drawings, specifications, and fire remediation reports
• Produce clear, professional, and easy-to-understand pricing submissions
• Lead 2-stage tender processes from pre-construction through to final submission
• Develop accurate cost plans for remediation and retrofit schemes

Sector Focus

• High-rise cladding remediation (ESSENTIAL)
• Fire stopping and fire barrier works
• External Wall Insulation (EWI)
• Retrofit and building safety upgrades

Commercial & Supply Chain

• Maintain and develop strong subcontractor and supplier relationships
• Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of cladding remediation supply chains
• Negotiate pricing and ensure best value procurement
• Identify and manage commercial risk within tenders

Client Engagement

• Work with both private developers and local councils
• Attend pre-tender meetings and site visits where required
• Present pricing strategies clearly and confidently

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience in cladding remediation (non-negotiable)
• Strong background in retrofit and high-rise external envelope works
• Experience compiling BOQs and building rates from first principles
• Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Experience managing or mentoring junior estimators (or ready to step into leadership)
• Strong understanding of 2-stage tendering processes
• Established supply chain knowledge within cladding/fire remediation

Desirable

• Experience working on local authority frameworks
• Exposure to building safety remediation schemes
• Commercial awareness within live project environments

Personal Attributes

• Strong leadership capability
• Detail-oriented with high commercial acumen
• Clear communicator, able to present pricing logically and transparently
• Organised and process-driven
• Able to operate both strategically and hands-on

What's on Offer

• Salary circa £85,000 + competitive package
• Clear pathway to Head of Estimating (if joining at Senior level)
• Hybrid working (4 days in Warrington initially)
• Secure and growing pipeline of remediation projects
• Opportunity to lead and shape a growing estimating department

If you'd like, I can also create:

• A shorter recruiter-friendly advert version
• A confidential candidate briefing document
• A LinkedIn-ready advert
• A retained search-style candidate pack
• Or a softer "step-up opportunity" version targeting Senior Estimators specifically