Senior Estimator​/Manager

Position: Senior Estimator/ Manager (Permanent)
Location: Epping Forest

Job Title

Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager (Flooring)

Sees flooring

Ongar Essex UK

Role Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager with proven flooring industry experience to lead the estimating and tendering function across a range of projects including [commercial / residential / retail / hospitality / education / healthcare]. You will produce accurate, competitive tenders, manage supplier/subcontractor pricing, drive value engineering, and (where applicable) lead and develop the estimating team.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Tendering (Flooring)

* Lead end-to-end estimating for flooring packages and projects, including:
broadloom, vinyl (sheet/LVT), safety flooring, rubber, timber/laminate, ceramic/porcelain, subfloor prep/screeds/DPMs, trims and accessories.

* Interpret drawings, specs, schedules, and scope to produce detailed take-offs and pricing.

* Build full estimates covering materials, adhesives, subfloor preparation, labour, uplift/removal, waste, logistics, and prelims.

* Prepare tender submissions including clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and programme assumptions.

* Identify opportunities for value engineering (alternative products/specs) while protecting quality and compliance.

* Ensure estimates are fully supported and commercially robust, with clear assumptions and audit trail.

Supply Chain & Procurement

* Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes and lead times (manufacturers/wholesalers).

* Secure competitive subcontractor/labour rates and ensure capability and availability.

* Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to improve pricing, samples, and technical support.

* Keep current with market movements (pricing, availability, inflation, product updates).

Handover & Delivery Support

* Deliver structured handovers to operations/project teams: scope, pricing build-up, risks, programme, key suppliers, and assumptions.

* Support pre-start meetings, early procurement strategy, and product selection approvals where required.

* Track post-job feedback (where available) to improve estimate accuracy and processes.

Leadership & Process Improvement (if Estimating Manager remit)

* Manage, coach, and develop estimators/trainees; set standards and review outputs.

* Improve tools, templates, take-off methods, and rate libraries for consistent estimating.

* Manage tender pipeline, workload planning, and bid governance/reviews.

Essential Experience & Skills

* Essential:
Significant estimating experience within the flooring industry (specialist flooring contractor or relevant main contractor/interiors environment).

* Strong knowledge of flooring systems, specifications, subfloor preparation requirements, and typical site constraints.

* Proven ability to produce accurate take-offs and competitive tenders under time pressure.

* Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.

* Confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills (clients, suppliers, site teams).

* Strong IT skills including Excel; familiarity with take-off/estimating software is beneficial.

Desirable

* Experience pricing frameworks, reactive works, or national rollouts/multi-site programmes.

* Understanding of standards and compliance relevant to flooring (e.g., slip resistance, wet areas, healthcare environments).

* Line management experience.

Qualifications (Preferred)

* Construction-related qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) desirable but not essential with strong experience.

* CSCS (where required for site visits).

Tools (Typical)

* Take-off:
Bluebeam / Planswift / Measure Square (or similar)

* Estimating:
Excel and/or estimating software

* Ability to read CAD/PDF drawings and schedules