Senior Estimator/Commercial Bid Manager

SISK Group; United Kingdom; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is looking for a Senior Estimator to ensure accurate project cost estimations and manage tender documentation. This role involves supporting the development of junior estimators and assessing risks in bids. The ideal candidate should have a degree in a relevant field, solid knowledge of contracts, and experience with estimating software. Attractive benefits include competitive salary and 26 days of annual leave.

Benefits

Competitive salary

26 days annual leave plus additional company days

Pension and benefits

Unlimited learning and development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong analytical and numerical skills to evaluate detailed specifications, costs, and risks.
• Knowledge of estimating processes and practices within a Tier 1 contractor.

Responsibilities

• Ensure estimated costs are prepared correctly for projects.
• Support the training and development of Estimators and Assistants.
• Log and manage all tender documentation and correspondence.
• Review and maintain risk registers on bids.

Skills

Good working knowledge of NEC, ICE and ICC forms of contract

Experience in using Conquest or similar estimating software

Education

Degree qualified in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience

Valid CSCS card

Job description

John Sisk & Son have been building excellence as a family‑owned international construction company by offering trust, certainty and value to our clients whilst being at the heart of change.

Role Summary

The Senior Estimator is responsible for ensuring that the estimated cost of a project is prepared correctly in an explicit and consistent manner, taking into account the methods of construction and all circumstances that may affect the execution of the work.

Responsibilities

Support our team in securing future schemes, particularly within the research laboratories and advanced manufacturing sectors. We ideally prefer someone based in our St Albans office, but are open to candidates located at any of our UK offices.

Health and Safety

• Ensure health and safety procedures are built into tender methodologies, with particular reference to S5 items.
• Promote Sisk’s Zero Incidents Zero Injuries culture.

Management

• Support the training and development of Estimators and Assistant or Graduate Estimators.
• Assist in carrying out personal development plans for direct reports and follow up on agreed actions.

General

• Log and manage all tender documentation including addendums and client correspondence and issue to relevant team members.
• Prepare subcontractor enquiry schedules, using input from the tender team and procurement department.
• Issue subcontract enquiries including scope of works and attendance schedules.
• Issue material enquiries and assess supplier responses.
• Establish competition levels and benchmark against market conditions.
• Arrange for production of bills of quantities where required and carry out spot checks on measures and descriptions.
• Chase tender returns, raise queries and maintain updated enquiry schedules.
• Review design information on design and build tenders to identify value savings.
• Compile clarifications, estimator notes and record changes for file purposes.
• Incorporate late tender amendments into costings and submissions.
• Assist in the preparation of tender risk and opportunity assessments.
• Support the production of value engineering schedules.
• Support the development of risk and opportunity analysis.

Tendering and Cost Analysis

• Review and maintain risk registers on bids.
• Carry out regular tender reviews and corrective actions where required.
• Analyse tender package returns and prepare subcontractor analysis schedules for adjudication.
• Assess package requirements for fixed price and contingency additions for tender settlement.
• Prepare documents for tender settlement, presenting clear net costings with identified risks and opportunities.
• Complete tender sum analysis including cash flow and forecasts for approval and adjudication.
• Attend adjudication meetings and implement resulting amendments.
• Complete client pricing documents including forms of tender, contract sum analysis and prelims breakdowns.
• Develop cash flow models for bids.
• Support the development and management of bid budgets within agreed limits.

Skills & Knowledge – Essential

• Good working knowledge of NEC, ICE and ICC forms of contract.
• Experience in using Conquest or similar estimating software.

Skills & Knowledge – Desirable

• Analytical and numerical ability to evaluate detailed specifications, costs and risks.
• Knowledge of estimating processes and practice within a Tier 1 contractor.

Required

• Degree qualified in a relevant discipline or equivalent experience.
• Valid CSCS card.

Desirable (Benefits)

• Membership of a relevant professional body or working towards same.
• Evidence of ongoing professional development in estimating, pre‑construction or commercial management.
• Competitive salary.
• 26 days annual leave plus additional company days.
• Pension and benefits.
• Unlimited learning and development opportunities.
• Much more.

Our People and Recruitment Commitment

At Sisk Group our people are at the heart of our success. We offer the chance to work with purpose, build a career with no limits and be part of a great team.

All vacancies are managed directly by our Internal Recruitment Team. Unsolicited contact or speculative CVs from unapproved agencies will not be accepted and no introductory fees will apply.

We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation, religion or any other protected characteristic.

Reasonable adjustments are available during the recruitment process.

We know the confidence gap and imposter phenomenon can stop talented candidates applying. You do not need to meet every criterion – your skills and potential matter. Don’t hold back we want to hear from you.

All recruitment materials comply with legal and regulatory requirements including the EU Pay Transparency Directive and the Equality Acts UK and Ireland.