Job Title
Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager (Flooring)
Sees flooring
Ongar Essex UK
Role Summary
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator / Estimating Manager with proven flooring industry experience to lead the estimating and tendering function across a range of projects including commercial / residential / retail / hospitality / education / healthcare . You will produce accurate, competitive tenders, manage supplier/subcontractor pricing, drive value engineering, and (where applicable) lead and develop the estimating team.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Tendering (Flooring)
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Lead end-to-end estimating for flooring packages and projects, including:
broadloom, vinyl (sheet/LVT), safety flooring, rubber, timber/laminate, ceramic/porcelain, subfloor prep/screeds/DPMs, trims and accessories.
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Interpret drawings, specs, schedules, and scope to produce detailed take-offs and pricing.
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Build full estimates covering materials, adhesives, subfloor preparation, labour, uplift/removal, waste, logistics, and prelims.
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Prepare tender submissions including clarifications, qualifications, exclusions, and programme assumptions.
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Identify opportunities for value engineering (alternative products/specs) while protecting quality and compliance.
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Ensure estimates are fully supported and commercially robust, with clear assumptions and audit trail.
Supply Chain & Procurement
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Obtain and evaluate supplier quotes and lead times (manufacturers/wholesalers).
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Secure competitive subcontractor/labour rates and ensure capability and availability.
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Maintain strong relationships with suppliers and manufacturers to improve pricing, samples, and technical support.
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Keep current with market movements (pricing, availability, inflation, product updates).
Handover & Delivery Support
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Deliver structured handovers to operations/project teams: scope, pricing build-up, risks, programme, key suppliers, and assumptions.
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Support pre-start meetings, early procurement strategy, and product selection approvals where required.
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Track post-job feedback (where available) to improve estimate accuracy and processes.
Leadership & Process Improvement (if Estimating Manager remit)
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Manage, coach, and develop estimators/trainees; set standards and review outputs.
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Improve tools, templates, take-off methods, and rate libraries for consistent estimating.
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Manage tender pipeline, workload planning, and bid governance/reviews.
Essential Experience & Skills
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Essential: Significant estimating experience within the flooring industry (specialist flooring contractor or relevant main contractor/interiors environment).
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Strong knowledge of flooring systems, specifications, subfloor preparation requirements, and typical site constraints.
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Proven ability to produce accurate take-offs and competitive tenders under time pressure.
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Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
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Confident communicator with strong relationship-building skills (clients, suppliers, site teams).
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Strong IT skills including Excel; familiarity with take-off/estimating software is beneficial.
Desirable
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Experience pricing frameworks, reactive works, or national rollouts/multi-site programmes.
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Understanding of standards and compliance relevant to flooring (e.g., slip resistance, wet areas, healthcare environments).
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Line management experience.
Qualifications (Preferred)
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Construction-related qualification (HNC/HND/Degree) desirable but not essential with strong experience.
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CSCS (where required for site visits).
Tools (Typical)
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Take-off: Bluebeam / Planswift / MeasureSquare (or similar)
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Estimating: Excel and/or estimating software
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Ability to read CAD/PDF drawings and schedules