Senior Estimator
Posted 4 days 5 hours ago by Wates Smartspace
Location: UK (Office based)
Business: Wates Fit Out
Wates Fit Out is entering an exciting period of expansion following a continued run of successful project tenders, and as part of this growth we are creating a new Senior Estimator position within the business.
This role represents a key strategic hire and will be instrumental in shaping the future of our estimating capability as we continue to scale.
The OpportunityThis is a senior, visible role within Wates Fit Out and is ideally suited to an experienced estimator currently operating within a Tier 1 fit out contractor, who is confident leading bids, managing teams, and influencing outcomes at a business level.
As the function evolves, this role is expected to become one of the most critical positions within the organisation, with a clear pathway for the successful individual to ultimately lead and manage the entire estimating function for the business.
Key Responsibilities- Take ownership of major fit out tenders, ensuring accurate, competitive, and commercially sound submissions
- Lead and coordinate the estimating process from receipt of enquiry through to final submission
- Manage and mentor estimating team members, providing leadership, guidance, and development support
- Work closely with pre construction, commercial, delivery, and supply chain teams to shape winning bids
- Oversee pricing strategies, risk allowances, value engineering, and margin optimisation
- Engage with supply chain partners to ensure robust and competitive pricing
- Contribute to the ongoing development of estimating systems, processes, and governance
- Provide senior input into bid reviews, lessons learned, and strategic tender selection
- Support senior leadership with forecasting, workload planning, and resource strategy
We are looking for someone who brings strong technical capability alongside leadership and strategic thinking:
- Proven senior estimating experience within a Tier 1 fit out contractor
- Extensive experience leading complex, high value fit out tenders
- Demonstrable experience managing or leading estimating teams
- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to balance risk, opportunity, and competitiveness
- Confident communicator, comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and clients
- Organised, detail driven, and able to operate effectively in a fast paced environment
- Ambition to grow with the business and take ownership of a function
- A newly created senior role with genuine influence and long term career progression
- Clear visibility and impact within a growing, successful business
- Opportunity to shape and ultimately lead the estimating function as the company continues to expand
- Work on high profile, technically challenging fit out projects
- Join a business with a strong reputation, supportive culture, and long term vision