Job Description
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
