Senior Estimator: Major Projects & Pre-Construction Lead

Note for Recruitment Agencies:
We prefer to hire directly and we will be in touch with our PSL Agencies if this role is eligible for release.

We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable – please direct all queries to the relevant Resourcing Partner.

Job Title – Senior Estimator

Location –Manchester

What you will be doing:

We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Senior Estimator to join our successful Pre-Construction team based in Manchester, delivering projects across the North West.

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Director, you will play a key role in securing future work by leading estimating activities, developing robust cost plans, and driving commercial excellence across a diverse portfolio of projects.

This role would suit an experienced estimator with a strong background in major construction projects, who thrives in a collaborative environment and is passionate about delivering high-quality, competitive bids.

Key Responsibilities

As Senior Estimator, you will:

• Lead the estimating function on a range of tender opportunities from inception to submission.
• Prepare detailed cost plans and undertake analytical and first-principles estimating.
• Take ownership of medium-sized tenders and support larger, more complex opportunities.
• Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and employer requirements.
• Manage and coordinate subcontract and supplier enquiries.
• Analyse subcontract quotations and assess compliance with project requirements.
• Collaborate closely with Design, Commercial, Planning, Procurement and Operational teams throughout the bid process.
• Support the development of value engineering proposals and DfMA initiatives.
• Identify and evaluate commercial risks and opportunities.
• Prepare tender adjudication and settlement documentation.
• Contribute to bid strategy, qualifications, preliminaries, overheads and profit considerations.
• Maintain robust estimating procedures and governance standards.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with the supply chain to optimise project outcomes.
• Utilise estimating software and digital tools to improve accuracy, consistency and efficiency.

What We're Looking For

To be successful in this role, you'll have:

• Proven experience preparing competitive tenders for major building or construction projects.
• Strong understanding of procurement routes including:
  • Single Stage Tendering
  • Two Stage Tendering
  • Design & Build
  • Framework Agreements
  • Negotiated Tenders
• Experience working with a Tier 1 or leading regional contractor
• Excellent commercial awareness and risk management skills.
• Strong cost planning and estimating capabilities.
• Proficiency in conquest estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
• The ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications and contract documentation.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A proactive, organised and self-motivated approach.
• A full UK driving licence.

What We Can Offer in Return:

With an impressive order book of over £4.3 billion we are one of the industry’s leading principal contractors, affording you the opportunity to work on some of the UK’s most exciting projects offering you stability as well as the chance to stretch your capabilities and realise long held career goals. You will be joining diverse teams working at a high professional level with exceptional levels of commitment.

With an ambitious strategy, we’re poised for further growth and success, so if you’re committed, talented and enthusiastic, Galliford Try is the right place for you.

We are committed to maintaining the physical and mental wellbeing of all our people, through our ‘Be Well’ programme which offers discounts on certain products, advice and support for a range of…