Senior Estimator

Laing O'Rourke group; Dartford; On-site; GBP 50,000 - GBP 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking an experienced Senior Estimator in Dartford to manage estimating processes and develop profitable workstreams. This role involves preparing competitive bids and leading the estimating function across various projects. Ideal candidates will have a cognate degree in Construction or Civil Engineering and proven experience managing estimates from inception through submission, along with excellent communication and teamwork skills. Opportunities for growth within a collaborative environment are present.

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing estimates from inception to submission.
• Experience in post-tender processes and handover to delivery teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare high-quality, competitive bids aligned with company requirements.
• Lead estimating function across bids and complex projects.
• Drive value proposition across opportunities.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities

Strong organisational and time-management skills

Education

HNC or cognate degree in Construction or Civil Engineering

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

Senior Estimator

Location: Dartford / Project-based

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to secure and develop a strong, profitable workstream for the business. The role has full responsibility for estimating processes, providing expert commercial insight, and adding value through innovative solutions, digital engineering, and technical expertise. You will interface confidently across the business and with external stakeholders to support successful work winning.

Key Responsibilities

• Secure profitable opportunities by preparing high-quality, timely, and competitive bids aligned with LOR Group requirements
• Lead the estimating function across bids, taking ownership of less complex tenders and supporting large or complex projects
• Drive the value proposition across opportunities, including Self Delivery, Digital Engineering (DE), and DfMA initiatives
• Utilise estimating software and Digital Engineering tools to promote efficiency and consistency
• Apply lessons learned and feedback from live and recently completed projects
• Promote innovation and competitiveness through engagement with Engineering Excellence
• Engage collaboratively with Design, Commercial, Engineering, DE, Procurement, Planning, HS&E, and EnEx.G throughout the work-winning process

Key Deliverables & Accountabilities

• Preparation of major prime cost estimates
• Team leadership in prime cost evaluation
• Commercial analysis of subcontractor quotations
• Advice on risk, qualification, and margin finalisation
• Ensure all bids are subject to formal adjudication
• Successful post-tender negotiations
• Ensure compliance with Executive Dashboards and EFA sheets for all bids
• Provide estimating input into pre-bid submissions and PQQs
• Liaise with clients and external consultants
• Implement internal governance and core estimating processes
• Provide general estimating support and guidance
• Deliver structured training and development for assistant and trainee estimators
• Provide constructive feedback to support team development

Technical Capabilities

Advanced

• Procurement strategies and mechanisms
• Package management and supply chain enquiry management

Expert

• Pricing, cost planning, and net prime cost forecasting
• Bid administration and management of the tendering process

Key Skills

Essential

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong teamwork and collaboration abilities
• Ability to work independently, use initiative, and plan ahead
• Strong organisational and time-management skills

Desired

• Extensive experience using estimating software

Qualifications

Essential

• HNC or cognate degree in Construction or Civil Engineering (or equivalent experience)

Desired

• HNC / Degree in Construction or Civil Engineering
• Progression towards professional membership (RICS, CIOB, ICE, IMechE)

Experience

Essential

• Proven experience managing estimates from inception through submission, post-tender, award, and handover to delivery teams

Desired

• Previous site-based experience in an Engineering or Commercial role
• Experience leading estimating teams through the bid process

Personal Attributes

• Commercially aware with a logical, well-organised approach
• Able to manage workload against strict deadlines
• Positive and resilient under pressure
• Flexible, reliable, and geographically mobile to support tender workload
• Committed to team motivation, engagement, and maintaining a positive working environment

About Us
Laing O'Rourke are an international engineering and construction company delivering state-of-the‑art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia. Certainty,reliability, quality – this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.
As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.
We want to ensureour recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please email [e-mail].
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