Estimation Manager - Structural Testing

Estimating Manager - Civil & Structural TestingQuoting & BiddingReports ToSenior Project Manager/Project Management AssociateLocationOffice-Based with Occasional Client and Site Visits, Main Office in Welwyn Garden CityRemuneration£35,000-£50,000 per annumJob PurposeThis senior technical role is for an experienced professional with a strong background in structural testing, civil engineering, or investigative survey work. You will play a pivotal role in leading and supporting the preparation of competitive bids and quotations, ensuring projects are accurately scoped, costed, and aligned with client requirements.This role requires significant technical knowledge of civil engineering investigations and testing methods, combined with strong client engagement and business development skills. You will act as a key point of contact for clients, ensuring proposals are both commercially competitive and technically robust.This role supports the Department Senior Manager in seeking out new opportunities, developing competitive bids, and negotiating contracts to drive business growth. It focuses on stakeholder management, profitability analysis, and client engagement under the guidance of the Senior Manager. It also includes monitoring the contract from initial client contact discussions until the finalized contract is agreed and signed, and the contract is handed over to Logistics and Operations for delivery.You will be the first point of contact for client discussions and queries, responsible for clear, professional communication and responsiveness. This role ensures projects are executed to the highest standards, meeting client requirements and company objectives.Once the bidding/quoting and contracts element is complete, the project is handed over to the Operations and Logistics and Quality Improvement teams. The Operations and Logistics team oversees the efficient execution of project work streams, ensuring resources, equipment, and personnel are optimally managed for smooth project delivery. Quality Improvement includes feedback and documentation regarding process improvements raised by the project.Key Responsibilities* Lead the preparation of accurate, technically sound project estimates and bids, ensuring alignment with structural testing industry standards.* Collaborate with engineers and technical teams to scope project requirements, ensuring feasibility and compliance with investigative methodologies.* Engage with clients to develop tailored proposals, negotiate contract terms, and provide expert technical insights.* Assist with contract negotiations, ensuring profitability and risk mitigation.* Monitor the financial performance of secured projects, identifying areas for improvement and optimization.* Review past projects to identify lessons learned, feeding insights back into the estimating and business development processes.* Work closely with the operations and logistics teams to ensure smooth project execution following contract approval.* Support the Senior Manager in preparing competitive project bids and quotes for large or complex projects.* Lead smaller and less complex project bids and quotes with support from the Senior Manager as needed.* Assist with client engagement to identify potential opportunities and develop tailored proposals.* Provide input for contract negotiations led by the Senior Manager.* Monitor existing projects for profitability and efficiency improvements.* Reflect on past projects to identify lessons learned and share insights with the Senior Manager.* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders.* Collaborate with the operations team to ensure proposed projects are feasible.Person SpecificationEssential Skills and Attributes:* Significant experience in estimating, bidding, or contract management within civil engineering, construction, or structural testing.* Strong technical understanding of structural testing, non-destructive testing (NDT), and investigative methods for concrete, steel, and infrastructure.* Excellent analytical and problem-solving abilities, particularly in project cost estimation and risk assessment.* Strong negotiation and client relationship management skills.* Experience collaborating with site and operations teams to ensure project feasibility and resource allocation.* Proficiency in industry-standard project management tools and software.* Excellent organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.Desirable Skills and Attributes:* Professional qualifications in estimating, project management (e.g., PRINCE2), or contract management.* Familiarity with quality and compliance standards within structural testing and civil engineering.* Experience in developing business opportunities and expanding service offerings within the industry.