About this role
Annual salary: up to £91,000.00 Senior Estimating Manager
Location: Homebased – Remote, with UK travel
Contract: Full-time, Permanent
Hours: 40 per week, Monday to Friday
Salary: Up to £91,000, plus £4,800 car allowance
About the Role
The Senior Estimator is a key role within the commercial estimating and tendering function, responsible for producing high-quality, competitive and compliant bids across all business streams. You will develop robust cost models, assess risk, collaborate with operational and commercial stakeholders, and ensure all estimating outputs meet the standards set by the Head of Estimating.
This role works closely with Business Development, Operations, Supply Chain and Finance to support sustainable growth and protect margin. You will report directly to the Head of Estimating.
Key Responsibilities
Purpose
Lead the preparation of robust, compliant and competitive estimates aligned to company commercial strategyEnsure pricing, methodology, risk and assumptions are clearly articulated and aligned with operational deliveryProvide analytical insight, industry knowledge and commercial judgement to support tender adjudicationsContribute to continuous improvement of estimating processes, knowledge bases and governance frameworks Estimating & Commercial Proposal Development
Prepare detailed estimates and commercial submissions for tenders across Repairs & Maintenance (including M&E and Planned Works), Central Government housing and support, Decarbonisation and Net Zero programmes, and DLO supportBuild cost models from first principles with accuracy and commercial integritySupport value engineering, scenario modelling and pricing strategy developmentAnalyse tender documentation, specifications and operational data to ensure deliverable proposalsProvide clear written and verbal summaries of assumptions, pricing logic and risks Tender Governance & Risk Management
Ensure all estimating outputs meet internal governance standards for completeness and complianceSupport tender clarifications, RFIs and responses to client queriesAssist with commercial review of contracts and legal documents alongside Legal and OperationsIdentify and document key financial and delivery risks for adjudication Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
Work collaboratively with Business Development and Operations to ensure bids reflect operational capabilityEngage with supply chain partners to secure competitive quotations and maintain market intelligencePresent estimating outputs and recommendations to senior stakeholders when required Mobilisation & Continuous Improvement
Support mobilisation teams post-award, ensuring clarity of estimating assumptionsParticipate in post-contract reviews and outturn cost analysis to improve future pricingContribute to enhancements in systems, templates, cost databases and knowledge repositories Team Support & Development
Act as a senior technical resource, providing mentoring to junior estimatorsPromote accuracy, commercial discipline and collaborative workingDeputise for the Head of Estimating when required Essential Experience:
Significant experience in social housing, R&M, planned works or related construction estimatingStrong working knowledge of NHF Schedule of RatesProven experience producing cost models and pricing strategies for medium–large tendersExperience engaging with clients, supply chain and internal stakeholdersAbility to manage multiple bids to tight deadlinesGood understanding of NEC and JCT contract formsStrong analytical skills and commercial awareness Desirable Experience:
Experience in a large contracting or housing services environmentFamiliarity with estimating software and data analytics toolsProfessional qualification in QS, Construction Management or similar (or working towards) Key Skills & Attributes
Strong numerical ability and exceptional attention to detailClear, confident communicator able to explain commercial reasoning to all audiencesProactive problem-solver with a continuous improvement mindsetAbility to interpret complex specifications and technical documentationHighly organised, deadline-driven and able to prioritise effectivelyCollaborative team player with mentoring capabilityStrong commercial judgement and ability to challenge assumptions constructively Benefits:
Family friendly policies, including enhanced maternity/paternity leave and much more 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays3 x Life assuranceprivate medical care for you and your family£4,800 car allowanceGenerous Pension Scheme and sick payEmployee Assistance ProgrammeMears Rewards – discount voucher scheme for a host of household name retailers, including supermarkets, offering savings on purchasesExcellent training and development opportunitiesMears Fun Day - Our annual Fun Day is organised as a massive thank you from the Executive team for all the hard work! Previous years include, Alton Towers, Drayton Manor etcVolunteering Leave - Mears supports employees to undertake volunteering in the community for two days per year, in support of our social value commitment All our roles require candidates to have the entitlement to work within the UK, Mears does not currently offer visa sponsorship.
To drive a Mears vehicle, you must be aged over 21 have held your licence over 3 months and have less than 9 points.
Candidates should be aware that all our roles are subject to relevant Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.
Apply below or to discuss your application further; contact:
Laura Crosby () If you need any help with your application process, we are here to support you. We will be accessible every step of the way.
At Mears Group, we are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone can thrive, we are a Disability Confident employer, valuing individuality and ensuring equal opportunities for all.
We proudly support the Armed Forces Covenant and are honoured to have achieved the Gold Award in the