Senior estimator

McPhillips (Wellington) Limited is an award-winning civil engineering and building contractor based in Telford, Shropshire. Established in 1964, we have over 61 years of experience delivering complex construction projects across the Midlands, Northwest England, and Mid & North Wales. Our portfolio includes new build and refurbishment projects in diverse sectors such as commercial, industrial, residential, retirement, and charity works. We pride ourselves on long-term partnerships, high customer satisfaction, and core values of safety, quality, honesty, and production, having delivered projects with a combined value of over £1 billion and earning 27 consecutive RoSPA Gold awards.

Job Title

Senior estimator

Location

Telford, Shropshire.

Job Summary

As a Senior Estimator, you will play a pivotal role in the pre-construction phase, leading the estimation process for tenders and projects valued from £100,000 to £30 million. You will be responsible for producing accurate cost plans, bills of quantities, and risk assessments to secure contracts and drive profitability. This role requires expertise in mixed construction types, including commercial o ices, industrial warehouses, residential housing and retirement villages. You will collaborate with architects, quantity surveyors, subcontractors, and internal teams to refine project scopes and incorporate value engineering. The role will primarily involve working on JCT Design and Build (D&B) contracts, with some exposure to NEC contracts.

Key Responsibilities

Lead estimation teams in preparing and submitting tenders, including single, two-stage and framework bids, primarily under JCT Design and Build (D&B) contracts and occasionally NEC contracts.

Develop detailed cost build-ups and pricing strategies from project inception to contract award.
Utilise Causeway estimating software to create precise cost plans, bills of quantities (BoQs), and risk registers.
Analyse project drawings, specifications, and site conditions to identify cost-saving opportunities through value engineering.
Recognise commercial advantages by evaluating and recommending optimal construction methodologies to enhance project efficiency and profitability.• Review and advise on client budgets before o icial tenders are released, ensuring alignment with project goals and feasibility.
Manage the preparation of quality submissions alongside bid writers to ensure the whole tender is submitted correctly and comprehensively.
Manage post-tender negotiations, clarifications, and contract awards to contribute to company revenue growth.
Provide support and mentorship to junior estimators, including line management and training.
Ensure compliance with UK building regulations, health and safety standards, and sustainable practices.
Report upstream on tender progress, risks, and outcomes to senior management.

Required Skills and Experience

Minimum 10-15 years of estimating experience in the UK construction industry, with a focus on mixed-use projects (commercial, industrial, residential, retirement, and charity).
Proficiency in Causeway estimating software and Microsoft O ice Suite (Excel, Word, and Outlook).
Strong knowledge of tender preparation, cost planning, and value engineering.
Experience leading tenders for projects up to £30 million, with a high success rate.
Experience in preparing and managing tenders primarily under JCT Design and Build (D&B) contracts, with familiarity in NEC contracts.
Excellent analytical, negotiation, and communication skills.
Ability to work under pressure to meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
Membership in a professional body such as RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or CIOB (Chartered Institute of Building) is desirable.
Full UK driving license.

What We Offer

Opportunities for career progression in a growing company.
Supportive team environment with ongoing training and development.
Competitive salary and benefits package.
Involvement in diverse and impactful projects across the UK.

Send your CV to cwalker@mcphillips.co.uk

Testimonials

"The site manager and assistant site manger did a fantastic job on the scheme, they were friendly, reliable, professional and their experience on managing the subcontract labour and technical ability was second to none."

Ian Lowe, BIT Group

"McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd undertook the construction of a recent public realm scheme in Shrewsbury, they provided traffic and pedestrian management to manage the construction of the scheme in a busy urban area, with high pedestrian footfall. All civils and re-paving works were completed to a high standard and in a tidy, productive and efficient manner. They were able to engage with Shrewsbury BID to aid in the planning of events, as well as liaising with local businesses and shops to minimise impact. They worked effectively and efficiently to complete works to the accepted programme and administered the contract well using web based management systems. There were good working relationships between all parties, and their on-site management of personnel was excellent."

Scott Hughes, WSP

"McPhillips were good to work with and they were always keen to resolve any issues or complications which obviously occur on such a large and complex project, probably the biggest S278 Worcestershire has ever dealt with."

Sally Everest, Worcestershire County Council

"Having been the first time we have used McPhillips as a main contractor we have been impressed at the ease at which we have developed a good working relationship to enable the project to be maintained to timeline and budget incorporating both additional work items and some more unusual occurrences on-site."

Richard Allen, London & Cambridge Properties

"We will most certainly use McPhillips again and we will have no hesitation in recommending you to other schools and colleges."

Sheena Hodgson, The Westwood Academy

"The site delivery team were extremely helpful. The site was clearly always orderly, fully resourced and well managed throughout. The workmanship was of the highest quality and the project was delivered on-time and within budget providing The Wrekin Housing Trust with a facility of which we are justifiably proud. Overall WHT is more than happy with McPhillips’ performance on Oakwood and wouldn’t hesitate to work with them again in the future."

Karen Lloyd, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"I will have no hesitation in employing McPhillips on other projects and therefore look forward to working with you again; it was a pleasure working with you and your team, demonstrating a positive approach throughout the project."

Mike Steele, Birmingham City Council

"The quality of the work provided is always of a high standard and every effort is made to accommodate the needs of businesses and residents impacted by the work. With regard to project management, I found the management team and site staff to be amenable at all times. I would highly recommend McPhillips to be considered for any highway regeneration projects or similar works."

Steve Hollins, Telford & Wrekin Council

"McPhillips carried out work for Adams’ Grammar School between May and September 2013. They did so under some stringent conditions imposed by the school and performed admirably to meet significant deadlines. Their work on site was also very impressive; their site manager was most professional and worked seamlessly with our own employee when there needed to be alterations/modifications. They worked very easily around children and kept an appropriate distance from our own work. When it came closer to the deadlines they produced work at an impressive speed in order that we were able to open on time. We will certainly use them again."

Michael Barrett, Adams' Grammar School

"I can truly say that I could not wish to have worked in conjunction with a more impressive and agreeable contractor than McPhillips. Many thanks for the experience."

Peter Oughton, Dogs Trust

"We’re delighted with the work carried out by McPhillips. Thanks to their excellent building and civil engineering experience and skills we’ve been able to create an enriched environment for our dogs."

Clarissa Baldwin OBE, Dogs Trust

"We have no hesitation recommending McPhillips and look forward to the opportunity of working with them in the future."

Pam Edwards, The Wrekin Housing Trust

"McPhillips and their team were professional and efficient from tender stage through to contract completion, with a can do attitude that brought the scheme in on time and on budget within tight constraints."

Bob Nicholson, Pochin Developments

"Everyone has commented favourably on the quality of workmanship and the professional, courteous and organised approach of the men involved. As a consequence, the work was completed to a very high standard, in a very short time with the minimum of noise and disruption to residents."

Diane Peacock, Pengrove Residents Association

"McPhillips performed extremely well with a high quality of workmanship and a professional approach in dealing with the public and businesses in a very busy part of the town. I can confidently recommend McPhillips as a competent and professional contractor and since this scheme, I have worked with them on various projects and would be pleased to work with them again in the future."

Karl Farrow, Cheshire West & Chester Council

"I would have no hesitation in recommending McPhillips."

Paul Harris, Shropshire Council

"The team from McPhillips remained positive and proactive throughout, working with the Council's team to find solutions and deliver an enabled site which was fit for purpose. Their can-do attitude and pragmatic approach has been essential in delivering a successful project for the Council."

Kate Turner, Telford and Wrekin Council

"McPhillips has an excellent understanding of the client's needs and works collaboratively to achieve a quality product."

Peter Parker, Birmingham City Council

“Choosing the right construction partner for our development was crucial. McPhillips proved to be the perfect choice, demonstrating exceptional expertise in delivering precisely what our operation needed. As a Telford-based business ourselves, it was particularly satisfying to work with a local construction partner who understood our needs and delivered such high-quality results. The new facility has significantly enhanced our operational capabilities, and McPhillips’ professional approach made the entire process smooth and efficient."

Robin Dale, Dale Brothers