Estimating Manager - Highways

Location: Rochester (office based with limited flexibility)
Salary: £80,000 - £90,000
Working Pattern: Office based with 1-2 days per week flexible working

We are recruiting for an Estimating Manager to join an established highways and surfacing contractor delivering a steady pipeline of highways, infrastructure and public realm projects across Rochester and the wider South East.

The business works predominantly on NEC based highways schemes, covering planned maintenance, resurfacing, civil engineering and associated infrastructure works. Due to succession within the estimating function, the company is now seeking an experienced professional to take ownership of the estimating team and function.

This role will suit a hands on Estimating Manager who enjoys being visible in the office, leading and mentoring junior estimators, and working closely with delivery and commercial teams.

As Estimating Manager, you will be responsible for managing and developing the estimating team while maintaining overall accountability for tender submissions.

You will lead a team of developing and ambitious estimators, providing structure, guidance and technical oversight, while also remaining actively involved in complex tenders. The role requires a strong office presence, with some flexibility (1-2 days per week) once established.

• Managing the end to end estimating process for highways and surfacing projects
• Leading, mentoring and developing a team of junior estimators
• Reviewing pricing strategies, risk allowances and value engineering proposals
• Working closely with operations and commercial teams during handover
• Improving estimating processes, systems and consistency across bids
• Supporting work winning strategy and pipeline planning

This role is ideally suited to an experienced Estimating Manager or Senior Estimator looking to step into a leadership role within a stable and growing business.

You will ideally have:

• Previous experience leading or mentoring estimators
• Strong working knowledge of NEC forms of contract
• Ability to operate with authority while supporting junior team members
• Confidence managing multiple tenders and competing deadlines

• Salary of £80,000 - £90,000, depending on experience
• Stable workload within the highways sector
• 1-2 days per week flexible working, balanced with office leadership
• Opportunity to shape and lead a young, developing estimating team
• Long term role with genuine responsibility and influence