Managing Estimator

Expandedltd; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is looking for a Managing Estimator to lead bids during the early construction phases. This office-based role involves engaging various teams, managing the bidding process, and ensuring timely and profitable work streams. Candidates should have expertise in estimating structural concrete works and experience with precast solutions. The position requires flexibility for travel within the UK and offers an opportunity to coach and mentor new talent in the estimating team.

Qualifications

• Proven ability in first-principle estimating of structural concrete works.
• Experience in various precast concrete solutions and systems.
• Expertise in cost planning and package management.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating team in major and smaller tenders.
• Ensure timely bid preparation to secure profitable work streams.
• Engage all disciplines in the work-winning process.

Skills

First‑principle estimating

Experience with precast concrete frame solutions

Forecast net prime cost expertise

Bid administration expertise

Ability to influence tender strategies

Extensive estimating procedures experience

Job description

Position Specification

Laing O'Rourke is an engineering‑led construction organisation with world‑class capabilities. Over 13,000 people across the UK, Australia and the Middle East deliver engineering innovation, project leadership and certainty for some of the world’s most prestigious public and private organisations across the most complex and challenging building and infrastructure projects. They play a vital role in creating sustainable cities, communities and economies around the world, that make life better for the people who live, work and thrive within them. They are focused on their mission to be the recognised leader for innovation and excellence in the construction industry.

Laing O'Rourke’s culture is built on 170 years of heritage and private ownership, which allows flexibility and long‑term investment horizons to nurture new ideas. The company has a strong sense of purpose, stemming from its family ownership and passion for delivering projects that improve the lives of the communities they serve.

Our simple statement summarises our purpose and values: "Pushing the boundaries of what's possible in the service of humanity. With care, integrity and courage."

Sustainability

Sustainability remains at the heart of how Laing O'Rourke goes to work. In April 2021, we announced our global sustainability targets:

• Operational net zero by 2030
• Net‑zero company by 2050
• Equal gender balance across our international staff by 2033

Role Overview

Expanded Structures, part of the Laing O'Rourke Group, seeks a Managing Estimator to lead major bids across our early construction phases. The role is office‑based, with critical in‑person touchpoints and requires flexibility for travel within the UK.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating team in the bid process for major tenders and up to 2–3 smaller bids.
• Secure profitable work streams by ensuring timely bid preparation that meets LOR Group requirements.
• Operate efficiently with Digital Engineering tools and estimating software, promoting consistent practices and incorporating feedback from live projects.
• Engage all disciplines in the work‑winning process: Design, Commercial, Engineering, Digital Engineering, Procurement, Transformation & Innovation (R&D), Planning & HS&E.
• Handle procurement exposure for various project procurement mechanisms.
• Coach, mentor and develop apprentices, cadets and graduates within the function.

Skills, Knowledge & Attributes

• First‑principle estimating – labour, plant and materials productivity pricing of structural concrete works.
• Experience with precast concrete frame solutions (hollow core, lattice planks, twin walls, PC columns) and understanding of falsework, formwork, jump form and slip form systems.
• Expertise in establishing forecast net prime cost, preliminary costing and cost planning.
• Expertise in package management and supply‑chain enquiry generation and management.
• Ability to influence and develop winning strategies for tenders.
• Extensive experience of estimating procedures through the life of an estimate, including tender submission, post‑tender procedure, award and handover to delivery.
• Expertise in bid administration and tendering process management.

We value transferable skills and a commitment to learning, so please apply even if you do not tick every box.

About Us

Laing O'Rourke is an international engineering and construction company delivering state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and buildings for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia. We have more than 150 years of experience, bringing certainty, reliability and quality to our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we encourage candidates with long‑term conditions and disabilities to apply. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to the ‘Offer an interview scheme’ or if you require adjustments for the interview process.

If you need the application form in an alternative format or further information about our recruitment process, please email [e-mail].