Estimator & Bid Specialist

Estimator & Bid Specialist

A leading London-based façade contractor is continuing its rapid growth and is seeking a skilled Estimator & Bid Specialist to join their expanding team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with façade experience who wants to work on a variety of projects and contribute directly to business growth.

About the Role

You will play a key role in producing competitive, accurate bids and tenders across new build and refurbishment projects. Working with a broad range of façade systems-including cladding, curtain walling, glazing, architectural metalwork, windows, doors, and SFS-you will support both technical and commercial aspects of tendering.

You will work primarily from the London office or 2 days in London and 2 days in Hertfordshire, with remote work available every Friday.

Key Responsibilities

Bid & Estimating

• Produce accurate tender submissions, cost plans, and structured pricing documents.
• Review drawings, specifications, and tender documentation to define scope and identify risks.
• Complete detailed take-offs, build-ups, and quantity assessments.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and efficiencies.
• Prepare clear written submissions including assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications.

Supply Chain & Procurement

• Issue enquiries and manage quotations from suppliers and subcontractors.
• Check compliance, scope accuracy, and competitiveness of received quotes.
• Benchmark costs and support procurement alignment with tender strategies.
• Maintain strong working relationships with supply chain partners.

Tender Management

• Coordinate internal contributions from technical, design, commercial, and operations teams.
• Manage tender deadlines and ensure all documentation is complete and accurate.
• Support or lead tender presentations and post-tender meetings.
• Handle clarifications and update pricing as needed.

Commercial Handover

• Review contract documents before award and highlight any concerns.
• Ensure all assumptions, risks, and scope boundaries are documented.
• Support smooth handovers to operational teams.
• Contribute to lessons learned and continuous improvement activities.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Experience with façade systems (e.g., curtain walling, rainscreen cladding, glazing, windows/doors, architectural metalwork, SFS).
• Strong ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
• Proven experience in estimating, take-offs, and detailed cost build-ups.
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of risk, margin, prelims, and value engineering.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders with accuracy and attention to detail.
• Professional communication skills and confidence engaging with clients, suppliers, and internal teams.
• Organised, proactive, analytical, and able to work independently.
• Minimum 3 years' relevant experience in estimating or commercial roles in construction.
• Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, or equivalent experience.

Desirable

• Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and UK contract frameworks.
• Understanding of CWCT and façade testing requirements.
• Experience using estimating/take-off tools (e.g., Bluebeam, Plan Swift, CostX, Autodesk Takeoff).
• Strong Excel capability and experience with bid management/CRM systems.
• Experience contributing to bid quality narratives or mentoring junior staff.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary (£40k-£45k) + performance bonus.
• Support for professional development and progression into Bid or Commercial Management.
• Friendly, diverse, and modern office environment.
• Direct in-person training and ongoing support.
• Company pension scheme.
• 22 days holiday + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown.
• Onsite gym, Perk Box, virtual GP service.
• Onsite parking, casual-smart dress code, great in-house coffee and snacks.
• Paid day off on your birthday.

Working Pattern

• Monday-Thursday:
  In-person (London office, or mix of London & Hertfordshire).
• Friday:
  Remote (Teams).
• 6-month probation period.
• Travel to sites, suppliers, and client meetings as required.

Despite our best efforts it is not always possible to respond to every application individually due to the high volume of responses we receive on each vacancy.

Only candidates who are short listed will be contacted for this particular role and if you have not heard from us within 7 days please assume that you have not be successful. However, we will keep your details on our database, and will be contacted for this particular role and if you have not heard from us within 7 days please assume that you have not be successful.

However, we will keep your details on our database, and will contact you when other suitable positions come in.