Senior Estimator - Leading Contractor in Cambridge
Fairmead is working in partnership with one of East Anglia’s most well-respected and fastest-growing contractors to recruit a Senior Estimator. This is an outstanding opportunity to take a key leadership role within a contractor that has built a reputation for delivering exceptional projects across commercial, education, residential, and healthcare sectors.
With an impressive portfolio of new build and refurbishment projects, typically valued between £5-10 million, they continue to secure landmark developments, including prestigious university and heritage buildings in Cambridge. As they enter an exciting phase of growth, they are looking for an experienced and ambitious Senior Estimator to play a vital role in their future success.
What’s on Offer
* Salary up to £80,000 – highly competitive for the right candidate
* Industry-leading package including a car or car allowance, private medical cover, pension scheme, and generous holiday entitlement
* The chance to lead tenders for high-profile projects across Cambridge and surrounding areas
* A clear route to a Managing Estimator role as part of a structured growth plan
* A collaborative and ambitious working environment where your expertise is valued and rewarded
The Company
This family-run contractor, based in the heart of Cambridge, has seen significant year-on-year growth over the past decade. Their ability to successfully deliver high-quality projects across multiple sectors has earned them a strong reputation within the industry, with repeat business and long-standing client relationships forming the backbone of their success.
They operate a friendly, professional, and cohesive team environment, where senior commercial professionals are given the autonomy and support to shape their department and drive improvements.
With ambitious expansion plans, this is a rare opportunity to join at a pivotal time, taking ownership of major tenders while benefiting from the backing of a strong leadership team.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will be a key figure within the commercial team, reporting directly to the Estimating Director and leading the pricing of new build and refurbishment projects. You will be responsible for ensuring accurate, competitive, and profitable tender submissions, working closely with internal teams, clients, and subcontractors to drive successful project outcomes.
* Taking full ownership of tenders, ensuring commercially sound and competitive pricing strategies
* Reviewing project specifications, drawings, and contract documents to assess costs, risks, and opportunities
* Performing detailed quantity take-offs, analysing materials, labour, and subcontractor pricing
* Managing relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors, negotiating competitive rates
* Working closely with project managers and the wider commercial team, contributing to business growth and project success
* Leading and mentoring a Junior Estimator, helping to shape and develop the estimating function
* Contributing to strategic pricing decisions and commercial planning at a senior level
The Ideal Candidate
We are looking for an experienced Estimator who has a proven track record in pricing new build and refurbishment projects, ideally within the £5-10 million range. You will be a strategic thinker, capable of managing multiple tenders while ensuring a meticulous approach to cost control and risk assessment.
* Strong experience in estimating across commercial, education, residential, and healthcare sectors
* Expertise in tendering projects in the £5-10m range, with a deep understanding of supply chain procurement
* Excellent negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to build strong supplier and client relationships
* Highly analytical and commercially aware, with a keen eye for value engineering
* Ability to work autonomously, managing bids from initial enquiry through to submission
* A collaborative leader, able to mentor and guide junior team members
Why Join?
This is more than just an estimating role – it is an opportunity to take a key position within an ambitious contractor, shaping the estimating function and leading high-profile tenders across Cambridge and East Anglia.
With clear progression into a Managing Estimator role, an exceptional working environment, and some of the most interesting and varied projects in the region, this is a role that will offer both professional growth and job satisfaction.
How to Apply
This is an immediate start opportunity for the right candidate. If you are a Senior Estimator looking for a career-defining move within a progressive and highly respected contractor, apply today