Head of Estimating

Posted on 18 March 2026

£65,000 - £80,000/annum + package

At a glance

Job Description

A well-established and highly respected groundworks and civil engineering contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Head of Estimating or Senior Estimator to lead and strengthen their commercial pre-construction function.

This privately owned contractor has been operating for over 30 years and is recognised as one of the leading residential groundworks specialists across the South Coast, delivering infrastructure and groundworks packages for many of the UK’s major housebuilders. Projects typically include roads, drainage, foundations, and full groundworks packages for large-scale new build housing developments.

With a strong pipeline of residential schemes and long-standing developer relationships, the company is looking for a commercially astute estimator who can take ownership of tendering activity and play a key role in future growth.

Head of Estimating / Senior Estimator Job Description:

Depending on experience, the successful candidate will join as either Senior Estimator or Head of Estimating, taking responsibility for:

• Leading the estimating function for residential groundworks and infrastructure packages

• Preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for new build housing developments

• Reviewing drawings, specifications and bills of quantities

• Pricing roads, drainage, foundations, and external works packages

• Liaising with commercial, operational and technical teams during bid preparation

• Building and maintaining relationships with housebuilders and developers

• Identifying risks, value engineering opportunities and commercial strategy during tender stage

• Supporting the management team with pipeline planning and bid strategy

• Support where required with QS responsibilities 

For candidates stepping into the Head of Estimating role, responsibilities will also include mentoring estimators and managing the tender workload.

Candidate Requirements:

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within groundworks or civil engineering

• Strong residential groundworks experience is essential

• Experience pricing packages for housing developers or residential schemes

• Good understanding of infrastructure, drainage, roads and foundations

• Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail

• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines

• Experience using estimating software and analysing drawings/specifications

Why Join?

• Long-established family-owned contractor with a strong reputation

• Secure order book with major UK housebuilders

• Opportunity to take a lead role within the commercial pre-construction team

• Genuine progression to Head of Estimating for the right candidate

• Competitive salary and package

Apply

If you are an experienced Groundworks Estimator or Senior Estimator looking to step into a leadership role with a well-established residential infrastructure contractor, we would like to hear from you.

Please apply with an up-to-date CV for a confidential discussion.

Contact

• Alex Haynes
• 02380981601
• alexhaynes@oneway.co.uk