Estimator

Michael Taylor Search & Selection are partnering with a valued client to recruit an experienced Estimator within the commercial office Design & Build / Fit-Out sector. Our client is a successful and growing contractor delivering high-quality CAT A, CAT B and full office interior projects for a diverse range of commercial clients.

Role Overview

The Senior Estimator will oversee all financial aspects of the pre-contract process, ensuring tenders meet client requirements and accurately reflect project costs. This role is responsible for driving the preparation of competitive and commercially robust bids while providing leadership, guidance, and mentorship to the estimating team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, support, and mentor estimators, promoting best practice and ensuring high-quality tender submissions.

• Attend initial client briefings to understand technical requirements, scope, and budget considerations.

• Review and analyse tender documents and employer requirements.

• Negotiate contractual terms, conditions, and payment structures to achieve commercially favourable outcomes.

• Provide clear internal and external advice to ensure the most appropriate solutions are pursued.

• Source competitive subcontractor quotations and review submissions for accuracy and completeness.

• Track and support opportunities through the full pre-contract lifecycle to maximise project conversion.

• Prepare and present detailed cost estimates, ensuring alignment with client expectations and subcontractor negotiations.

• Produce itemised cost plans to support robust financial control.

• Ensure pre-contract activity remains commercially sound and not solely focused on winning work.

• Collaborate closely with design teams to support value engineering initiatives.

• Assist clients with compliance matters such as approvals, validations, surveys, and condition assessments.

• Participate in internal cost plan reviews with the project finance team.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

• Regularly review processes and implement improvements.

• Support senior pre-construction leadership in managing the estimating function.

• Contribute to recruitment activities when required.

About You

• Minimum 4 years experience as an estimator, ideally within design & build or fit-out sectors.

• Demonstrated track record of delivering profitable projects.

• Strong communication skills with the ability to build effective relationships at all levels.

• Experience improving processes and promoting efficient working methods.

• Confident mentor with the ability to support and develop team members.

• Capable of managing a varied and busy workload.

• High commercial awareness, with the ability to guide decision-making across the business.

• Solid understanding of mechanical and electrical disciplines.

• Degree or HNC/HND qualification (desirable but not essential).

• Advanced Excel skills and strong proficiency in Outlook and Word.

• Good working knowledge of JCT contracts and current building regulations.

• Understanding of relevant health and safety legislation.

• Full, clean driving licence preferred.