Estimating Manager / Director

Job Title: Estimating Manager / Director Location: South Yorkshire Sector: Structural Steel & Architectural Metalwork Salary: Up to £90,000 + Performance related Bonus Overview: We are working in partnership with a market-leading specialist in structural steel and architectural metalwork to appoint an Estimating Manager / Director to lead and evolve their pre-construction and tendering function. This is a senior leadership role with board-level visibility and a direct influence on the company's strategic direction. The successful candidate will be responsible for building a high-performing estimating and business development function, aligning commercial pricing strategies with operational delivery and market growth. This is a rare opportunity to shape the future of a well-established, high-performing contractor with a strong reputation for delivering technically complex and architecturally significant projects. Key Responsibilities: Lead, manage, and develop the estimating team, instilling best practices, efficiency, and accuracy across all tenders Oversee and collaborate with the Business Development Director to ensure bid alignment with the company's strategic and financial objectives Develop and implement estimating systems, procedures, and controls to support consistent, scalable tendering across multiple workstreams Assess and manage tender risk, build-ups, and pricing methodologies in relation to design, scope, and buildability Lead on value engineering initiatives and post-tender negotiations as required Collaborate with operations and commercial departments to ensure successful project handovers and alignment between estimating and delivery Provide accurate forecasting, performance tracking, and pipeline reporting to the Board Drive innovation and continuous improvement within the estimating and pre-construction function Key Requirements: Minimum 10 years' experience in structural steel or architectural metalwork contracting Proven track record in estimating at senior or director level, ideally including high-value and complex projects (£5m+) Deep understanding of estimating software, pricing structures, fabrication processes, and installation methods Strong leadership skills with experience managing and developing high-performing teams Commercially strategic mindset, able to see the bigger picture and influence business decisions Excellent communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to lead client conversations and internal strategy discussions Ambitious, organised, and collaborative, capable of working at both operational and strategic levels Why Join? Join a respected market leader with a strong reputation, robust pipeline, and growth ambitions Play a critical role in shaping how the business prices, wins, and delivers work Competitive salary, performance-based bonus, and long-term career potential at board level Work within a collaborative, progressive leadership team who value innovation and continuous improvement Application Process: This is a retained and exclusive opportunity managed by Sharon O'Donnell at The Highfield Company. For a confidential conversation, please contact Sharon