Estimating Manager

Activus Recruitment are working on behalf of a well-established, multi-disciplinary construction company based in Aberdeenshire, delivering services across the UK for over thirty years. Their services include concrete works, civil engineering, main contracting, and design & build, with long-term success built on professionalism, collaboration, and a committed workforce.

We are seeking an experienced Estimating Manager to lead the estimating function, shape competitive tender strategies, develop the estimating team, and support the continued growth of the business.

Main Purpose of the Role

The Estimating Manager will oversee the estimating function, ensuring accurate, commercially robust, and strategically aligned tender submissions. You will manage the estimating team, collaborate with internal departments and the supply chain, and drive best practice across all tender activities. You will also be responsible for improving estimating procedures, reporting, and consistency throughout the department.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Management
Lead and mentor the estimating team to ensure high performance and development. Oversee the full tender lifecycle from enquiry to submission, managing workloads and deadlines to meet business priorities.

Estimating & Tender Management
You will assess tender opportunities, develop bid strategies with senior leadership, and review tender documentation for risks or gaps. Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries, review quotations, resolve qualifications, and ensure first-principle estimating methods are applied. Oversee preparation of tender deliverables, including risk registers, qualifications, and summaries, ensuring all submissions are accurate, approved, and delivered on time.

Reporting & Strategy
Provide reporting on tender pipeline, bid status, and win/loss performance. Maintain and improve estimating systems, templates, and benchmarking tools, and implement process improvements to increase efficiency. Monitor supply chain performance in collaboration with procurement and operations teams.

Commercial & Business Development
Support senior leadership in securing new business and strategic opportunities. Review tender opportunities via Barbour ABI and other lead platforms. Liaise with clients, consultants, and contractors during and after submissions, and support bids for frameworks, negotiated contracts, and design & build projects.

Safety & Compliance
Work with operations and HSEQ teams to embed safety, quality, and environmental considerations in bids. Ensure governance, risk management, and approval processes are followed throughout all submissions.

Key Requirements

* Proven experience in a senior estimating or estimating management role within construction

* Strong technical background across civils, concrete, and/or main contracting

* Effective leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills

* Strong commercial awareness, analytical ability, and attention to detail

* Proficiency in estimating software and Microsoft Office

* Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines in a fast-paced environment

* Relevant qualifications in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or Construction Management

What’s on Offer

* Competitive salary and benefits package

* Opportunity to shape and grow the estimating function within a well-established contractor

* Supportive team environment with a strong pipeline of work

* Aberdeenshire-based role with national project exposure