Senior Estimator

The role: 

Are you an experienced Estimator looking for meaningful work, real influence and the chance to shape high‑profile projects across the southern home counties?

Join our dynamic, forward‑thinking Pre‑Construction team as we continue to strengthen a £300m+ regional business with exciting opportunities in the pipeline.

As a Senior Estimator, you will play a critical part in supporting tenders across the South section of our Construction business. Working closely with Supply Chain partners, Pre‑Construction specialists and the wider Bid and Operations teams, you'll provide accurate, informed cost advice that helps us secure the right projects, build long‑term client relationships, and expand our strategic footprint.

Your work will directly influence tender success and ensure we compete selectively and intelligently, focusing on projects where we can add real value and deliver excellence.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading estimating duties on multiple tenders across the southern home counties (and occasionally beyond)
• Producing accurate cost plans, tender analyses and commercial insights
• Liaising closely with our supply chain to assess market conditions and secure competitive pricing
• Working collaboratively with a full bid team and highly experienced Pre‑Construction colleagues
• Taking ownership of estimating on bids through tender stages and second‑stage negotiations
• Embedding digital ways of working—leveraging our forward‑thinking digital strategy
• Contributing to a supportive and collaborative team culture where clear communication is key
• Working primarily from our Leatherhead or Newbury offices, with flexible working

What You'll Bring

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within the construction industry
• Strong understanding of construction methods, costs, and sector‑wide commercial considerations
• Ability to work confidently with supply chain partners and internal stakeholders
• A collaborative mindset and strong communication skills
• Ownership, accountability and a proactive approach to problem‑solving

What We Will Offer You

• Meaningful work on high‑profile private and public sector tenders
• Clear opportunities for progression across Pre‑Construction, Commercial and the wider business
• Support and mentoring from experienced leaders including our Pre‑Construction Director, Cost Planning Manager and Senior Estimators
• A flexible working environment with one remote day per week and paid business travel
• The chance to join a business with secured long‑term work, strategic selectivity, and an exciting growth trajectory

• Competitive salary & profit share scheme 
• Flexible working 
• Car Allowance / Company Car (subject to Role/Grade) 
• Travel covered to any of our sites (subject to HMRC advisory rates) 
• Extensive corporate benefits including, Private Medical, Pension 8% employers' contribution, Health and Wellness programme, 26 days holidays + bank holidays and much more… 
• Excellent range of learning and development activity to support your career progression. 
• Industry leading family leave benefits to included 26 weeks fully paid maternity, 12 weeks fully paid paternity. ##

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.  We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work.  As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme.  Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk / WPSrecruitment@wates.co.uk