Senior Estimator

McLaughlin & Harvey is a privately owned company with over 170 years of experience, specialising in construction. We provide quality new builds, extensions, refurbishments, fit‑outs, and small works projects covering the health, education, commercial, industrial, leisure, sporting, retail and residential sectors. Our team delivers award‑winning, quality projects, adding value and innovation across the process.

We are seeking a Senior Estimator to enhance our team and drive success across our high value projects.

• Exciting projects – work on varied sector projects and leave a lasting legacy
• Career growth – clear progression pathways and continuous professional development
• Collaborative culture – be part of a team that values innovation, integrity and a commitment to excellence
• Competitive package – enjoy a competitive salary and great benefits with volunteering days, flexible and hybrid working options (check out our full benefits offering on our website)

The Senior Estimator shall be responsible for Pre‑Construction Estimating, working closely and directly with internal/external clients, other disciplines and teams from project inception, accountable and responsible for all financial and estimating aspects of the projects.

• Prepare and review tenders processed in the Estimating department
• Liaise with the Estimating Director/Commercial Director/Finance department on contractual terms, bonds and insurances
• Obtain input from Senior Management into tenders, offers and proposals
• Arrange handover meetings and formally hand‑over new contracts
• Assist the Estimating Director /Pre‑Construction Director in developing new contacts and clients
• Lead negotiations in relation to tenders, offers and proposals when directed by the Estimating Director /Pre‑Construction Director
• Work on Frameworks through all stages
• Sound knowledge of Estimating on large scale building projects
• Price from first principles, procure subs/materials quotes, prepare tender settlement sheets for main contractor's Prelims
• Prepare Cost Plans from inception and own quantities from minimal information
• Take ownership of tenders from receiving documents to adjudication
• Engage with key Supply Chain during the tender process period
• Fulfil the role of Senior Estimator on projects, managing all estimating elements with interface to suppliers, clients and across commercial, operations and project functions
• Understand the corporate and contract‑specific estimating procedures and carry out all work in accordance with these
• Prepare estimates from conception through detailed estimates for identified projects
• Assist in training estimating staff and trainees/graduates seconded to the department
• Understand complex engineering drawings and designs, translating into build needs, sequence and timings
• Assess and record likely competition when tendering
• Liaise with procurement on tender stage to obtain most competitive prices, ensuring firm quotes for significant materials and subcontract items
• Request further information from Client/Design Team and arrange meeting if required
• Attend handover meeting and brief team on tender bid
• Run multiple projects simultaneously at different stages: cost plan, design feasibility, competitive tender
• Produce estimates and cost plans from concept plans and specification
• Excellent construction technology knowledge
• Work on Conquest Estimating System including On Screen Take Off
• Database management
• Design / Cost Control
• Subcontract analysis and comparisons

• Proven track record as an Estimator with Construction experience
• Excellent communication and numeracy skills
• Maintain technical knowledge by attending educational workshops and reviewing technical publications
• Strong numerical and analytical skills
• Proficiency in estimating software

• Educated to degree or HND level in a Construction or related field with relevant work experience

If you’re ready to take the next step in your career with a company that values your expertise and innovation, we’d love to hear from you.

Join us on our journey to #Building Together Unlocking Potential

McLaughlin & Harvey is an equal opportunities employer committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of background, experience and identity. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our clients and the communities in which we work.

As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment, providing reasonable adjustments at interview stage and beyond, and extending an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job role requirements.