Senior Estimator

Senior Estimator

Kent
Construction / FF&E 
Salary: £38- 50k

Great Employer with Flexible/Hybrid Working Options

Our client is a manufacturer of bespoke furniture for commercial settings with projects of up £2m. As part of their growth, and success, they are working with us here at Better People to source a talented and dynamic client focussed Senior Estimator.

This is a pivotal role within the business and will directly influence  success on major projects.

We are looking for an individual who brings both technical competence and strategic commercial thinking, someone who wants to be part of the securing of new business for the organisation.

The Opportunity

As Senior Estimator, you will take full ownership of tendering activities across multiple high-value FF&E and specialist joinery packages. You will be instrumental in shaping competitive bids, managing commercial risk, and strengthening our reputation within the construction supply chain.

You will work closely with the Managing Director, Commercial Director, Contracts Manager, and key supply partners to produce market-leading tenders that are commercially competitive, technically robust, and aligned with programme demands.

You will be speaking to clients, suppliers and contractors building relationships, negotiating rates, understanding and refining requirements and creating collaboration opportunities

Key Responsibilities

Lead their full tender process for projects between £100k and £2m, ensuring timely, accurate, and commercially viable submissions.
Interpret drawings, specifications, schedules, and ITTs, delivering clear and comprehensive cost plans.
Manage client expectations with professionalism, seeking clarifications, coordinating queries, and ensuring alignment between design intent and scope.
Source, negotiate, and secure improved pricing from suppliers and subcontractors to produce the most competitive offer.
Develop value-engineering options without compromising compliance or performance.
Prepare detailed breakdowns, tender summaries, exclusions, and qualifications.
Work collaboratively with internal departments
Support, mentor, and guide junior estimators as needed.
About You

We are looking for a dynamic, motivated, and experienced individual who thrives in a fast-paced estimating environment.

Ideal Candidates will have/be:

A minimum of 3 years’ estimating experience within the construction, joinery, FF&E, or fit-out sectors.
A technical understanding of construction processes, joinery, materials, labour, and procurement.
Demonstrable experience delivering tenders in the range of £100k–£2m.
Proven ability to analyse risk, challenge assumptions, and make commercially confident decisions.
Advanced competency in Excel and estimating software.
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal with ability to build strong internal, client supplier and contractor relationships
Desirable:

Experience in healthcare, education, mental health, or specialist furniture environments.
Experience negotiating supplier terms and building strong commercial partnerships.
What We Offer

A senior role with influence and visibility across the business.
The opportunity to help shape our estimating strategy during a significant growth period.
A supportive team environment and strong leadership backing.
Competitive salary with some benefits.
Opportunities for career development within the wider group.
If you think this sounds like you, please apply today and we will call you to discuss it and hear all about you

Better People Ltd is an equal opportunities employer. If you do not hear from one of our consultants within 7 days of applying for this role, please assume you have been unsuccessful in this instance. Your CV will be kept on file and you will be considered for future vacancies that match your skills. By applying you will register as a candidate with Better People Ltd. Our Privacy Policy on our website explains how we will use your information. Our clients are only able to offer employment to candidates who are fully eligible to work in the UK and cannot offer work visas/sponsorship etc