Job Title
Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager (Flooring)
Sees flooring
Ongar Essex UK
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager with proven flooring industry experience to lead the estimating and tendering function across a range of projects including commercial / residential / retail / hospitality / education / healthcare . You will produce accurate, competitive tenders, manage supplier/subcontractor pricing, drive value engineering, and (where applicable) lead and develop the estimating team.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Tendering (Flooring)
Lead end-to-end estimating for flooring packages and projects, including:
broadloom, vinyl (sheet/LVT), safety flooring, rubber, timber/laminate, ceramic/porcelain, subfloor prep/screeds/DPMs, trims and accessories.
Interpret drawings, specs, schedules, and scope to produce detailed take-offs and pricing.
Build full estimates covering materials, adhesives, subfloor preparation, labour, uplift/removal, waste, logistics, and prelims.
Prepare tender submissions including clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and programme assumptions.
Identify opportunities for value engineering (alternative products/specs) while protecting quality and compliance.
Ensure estimates are fully supported and commercially robust, with clear assumptions and audit trail.
Supply Chain & Procurement
Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes and lead times (manufacturers/wholesalers).
Secure competitive subcontractor/labour rates and ensure capability and availability.
Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to improve pricing, samples, and technical support.
Keep current with market movements (pricing, availability, inflation, product updates).
Handover & Delivery Support
Deliver structured handovers to operations/project teams: scope, pricing build-up, risks, programme, key suppliers, and assumptions.
Support pre-start meetings, early procurement strategy, and product selection approvals where required.
Track post-job feedback (where available) to improve estimate accuracy and processes.
Leadership & Process Improvement (if Estimating Manager remit)
Manage, coach, and develop estimators/trainees; set standards and review outputs.
Improve tools, templates, take-off methods, and rate libraries for consistent estimating.
Manage tender pipeline, workload planning, and bid governance/reviews.
Essential Experience & Skills
Essential: Significant estimating experience within the flooring industry (specialist flooring contractor or relevant main contractor/interiors environment).
Strong knowledge of flooring systems, specifications, subfloor preparation requirements, and typical site constraints.
Proven ability to produce accurate take-offs and competitive tenders under time pressure.
Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
Confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills (clients, suppliers, site teams).
Strong IT skills including Excel; familiarity with take-off/estimating software is beneficial.
Desirable
Experience pricing frameworks, reactive works, or national rollouts/multi-site programmes.
Understanding of standards and compliance relevant to flooring (e.g., slip resistance, wet areas, healthcare environments).
Line management experience.
Qualifications (Preferred)
Construction-related qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) desirable but not essential with strong experience.
CSCS (where required for site visits).
Tools (Typical)
Take-off: Bluebeam / Planswift / MeasureSquare (or similar)
Estimating: Excel and/or estimating software
Ability to read CAD/PDF drawings and schedules