Head of Estimating

Guildmore Facades & Cladding is seeking an experienced Head of Estimating to lead our pre-construction and tendering function. This senior role is responsible for overseeing the full estimating and bid process—from initial enquiry through to tender submission and handover—ensuring every bid is meticulously crafted, commercially sound, and aligned with client expectations and company standards. The Head of Estimating will develop tender strategies, evaluate enquiry documents, coordinate design and subcontractor pricing, and produce compelling contractor proposals. They will also manage client relationships, drive new business opportunities, and ensure a seamless transition from pre-construction to the delivery team. Continuous improvement and post-tender performance review are key elements of the role. Primary & General ResponsibilitiesLeadership * Motivate, lead, and manage the pre-construction team. Promote a collaborative, empowered team culture. Champion continuous improvement and contribute to the profitable growth of the business. * Plan resources around tender workflow, identifying risks and solutions. Set clear, stretching objectives for yourself and your team. * Attend Operations Board meetings as requested by the Business Unit Director. Lead on CRM protocols, ensuring information is accurately maintained with the office BD team. * Contribute to the Operations Board Technical Hub. Participate in training, seminars, and recruitment activities. Driving New Opportunities * Maintain and develop client and consultant relationships. Identify new customers and pursue business prospects. * Track and respond to OJEU notices and other lead sources. Oversee and contribute to PQQs and expressions of interest. * Update KMS project database for PQQs, tenders, and leads. Manage estimators and bid writers, coordinating with design and operations during the estimating phase. Tender Development * Evaluate enquiry documents and advise the Director on tender suitability. Develop effective, winning tender strategies. Ensure completion of Bid Validation documentation as per company protocol. * Prepare materials and presentations for mid-tender and post-tender interviews. Review addendums and documentation for completeness. * Conduct site visits to build understanding of project requirements and nurture client relationships. * Ensure the team fully understands tender documents and produces robust, considered submissions. Create responsibility matrices to ensure clear accountability and deadlines. Identify alternative construction methods and value engineering opportunities. Coordinate design input and subcontractor pricing with clear, defined packages. * Prepare cost plans and budget guidance for client reviews. Coordinate preconstruction workload programmes. Creating a Compelling Offer * Understand client objectives and build bid-winning strategies accordingly. Agree tender deliverables and unique selling points with the Director. With estimating support, create innovative and engaging contractor proposals. * Oversee editing and production of proposal content and technical responses. Ensure responses are clear, complete, and professionally written. * Attend tender interviews to promote company capability and demonstrate scheme understanding. Post-Tender Support & Handover * Lead post-tender handover meetings, ensuring smooth information transfer to delivery teams. Provide ongoing support during mobilisation and pre-start operations. * Conduct post-tender reviews with the team to assess performance and gather client feedback. Specific Responsibilities * Oversee the full bid process from start to finish. Manage virtual bid teams including stakeholders from sales, marketing, finance, commercial, legal, design, and project delivery. * Develop clear win strategies and compelling win themes for each bid. Prepare and review commercial elements, ensuring all products/services are included for adjudication. Track and manage risks throughout the bid process. Take full accountability for written bid content and its presentation quality. * Manage bid budgets and report KPI performance in Pre-Construction/New Business meetings. Ensure all deadlines are met, including internal governance steps. * Guarantee on-time submission of compliant and commercially viable tenders. Coordinate and plan client presentations. Drive continuous improvement through post-bid reviews, internally and with clients. Person SpecificationKnowledge & Experience * Minimum 3 years’ experience as a Pre-Construction Manager, Senior Estimator, or similar senior estimating role. Strong technical knowledge with the ability to produce methodology responses. * Proven ability to manage multiple PQQs/tenders and prioritise effectively. Skilled in coordinating internal teams to produce bespoke, high-quality submissions. * Confident liaising with stakeholders at all levels. Experience in a fast-paced, high-volume work environment. Competence with desktop publishing and strong MS Office skills. Ability to produce high-quality, compliant tender responses. * Experience working across various roles and sectors. Understanding of procurement routes including frameworks, two-stage tenders, and design & build. * Strong knowledge of traditional and modern construction methods. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and Powerproject. Strong negotiation skills. Qualities & Behaviours * Excellent communication skills with a professional and personable manner. Ability to work to tight deadlines with high attention to detail. * Strong team player committed to cross-departmental collaboration. Willingness to take ownership and responsibility, with a focus on learning rather than blame. What We Offer * Full training and ongoing professional development. Opportunities to expand skills across commercial systems, compliance, and operations. * A supportive and collaborative team environment. Clear career progression within the Guildmore Group