Senior Estimator/ Manager

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 / MeasureSquare (or similar) * Estimating: Excel and/or estimating software * Ability to read CAD/PDF drawings and schedules