Senior Estimator
Bedford, Bedfordshire
£35,000 – £60,000, depending on experience
Permanent | 8:30am – 5:00pm | 25 days’ holiday | Bonus | Pension
Senior Estimator Benefits
- 25 days holiday per year, with 2–4 days reserved for Christmas shutdown
- Discretionary bonus
- Pension scheme, with salary sacrifice option after 3 months and company-matched contributions
- Family-run business with a supportive culture
- Working hours: 8:30 – 17:00
About the Company
This established Bedford-based manufacturer designs, manufactures and installs specialist security products for the UK construction industry. Its products include ballistic, blast-resistant and healthcare doors, walls, windows and louvres, used across government, healthcare and critical-infrastructure projects.
The business has a stable team, a practical management style and a supportive working environment. Continued growth has created an opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join its commercial team in Bedford and take the lead on detailed tenders for specialist manufactured products and installation packages.
Senior Estimator Role
As Senior Estimator, you will manage tenders from the initial enquiry through to final submission. You will prepare accurate material, labour, manufacturing and installation costs, obtain supplier and subcontractor prices, identify commercial risks and work with sales, production and project teams to build competitive bids. You will also support less experienced estimators and help maintain a consistent approach across the department.
Senior Estimator Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed estimates for specialist manufactured products and installation packages
- Review drawings, specifications and tender documents
- Build up material, labour, manufacturing and subcontractor costs
- Request, compare and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations
- Lead complex tenders and higher-value pricing submissions
- Identify commercial risks, exclusions and value-engineering opportunities
- Work closely with sales, production, design and project teams
- Keep clear records of estimates, assumptions and bid submissions
- Support junior estimators and review work where required
- Help improve estimating templates, processes and pricing information
What They Are Looking For
- Experience working as a Senior Estimator, or as an Estimator ready to take the next step
- A background in construction, manufacturing, subcontracting, roofing, M&E, flooring or another specialist trade
- Confident pricing from drawings, specifications and tender documents
- Experience preparing detailed cost plans and commercial tender submissions
- Good supplier and subcontractor knowledge
- Strong Excel skills and experience using estimating software such as Bluebeam or PlanSwift
- Knowledge of AutoCAD or similar drawing software would be useful
- A clear, organised approach with good commercial awareness
Why Apply?
- Join an established specialist manufacturer with a strong order book
- Take ownership of varied, technically interesting tenders
- Work with a supportive management and commercial team
- Develop within a growing estimating department
- Secure permanent role with a salary of up to £60,000, bonus and pension
Apply for the Senior Estimator Role
If you are an experienced Estimator looking for a Senior Estimator job in Bedford, apply online or send your CV to Sally Whittingham.
Relevant experience may include: Senior Estimator, Construction Estimator, Manufacturing Estimator, Subcontractor Estimator, Cost Estimator, Tendering, Cost Planning, Bluebeam, PlanSwift, AutoCAD, specialist construction, security products, manufacturing and installation.