Head of Estimating

Welcome to Linaker

For 30 years Linaker has specialised in the creation and maintenance of tailor-made business environments. Having shaped workspaces for a wide range of businesses across the country, Linaker’s heritage lies in our ability to design and regulate unique spaces that truly work.

Linaker was founded upon three core values: trust, reliability and care. We are not just a service provider, rather an essential part of our clients’ architecture and, ultimately, an extension of your business, a part of one team.

The last couple of years has seen Linaker grow exponentially and 2025 is no exception. Our client base continues to grow month on month and as a result we are now looking for a talented to join us on our upward journey.

Head of Estimating

About the Role

As Head of Estimating, you will play a strategic leadership role, overseeing and developing a team of technical estimators responsible for site visits, asset tagging, condition reporting, and producing technical quotations. You will ensure the delivery of accurate, competitive, and commercially viable bids and cost plans for a wide variety of engineering and hard FM service projects.

You will be responsible for shaping estimating strategy, collaborating with internal teams and external partners, and driving consistency and innovation across all estimating activity. This is a senior leadership position reporting to the Director of Quality.

What you will be responsible for

• Lead, manage, and develop a high-performing national estimating team.
• Provide mentorship, training, and performance management to ensure departmental success.
• Promote a culture of accuracy, accountability, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee the preparation, validation, and submission of high-quality estimates and competitive bids.
• Review and analyse tender documentation for completeness and risk.
• Support quantity take-offs and apply first principles estimating where applicable.
• Independently review and verify pricing submitted by others, identifying areas for improvement.
• Work closely with procurement to secure market-competitive quotes and identify cost-saving opportunities.
• Collaborate with operational teams to develop bid strategies and methodologies aligned with project requirements.
• Participate in project reviews, handovers, and post-bid assessments to capture lessons learned.
• Develop strong relationships with clients, consultants, and subcontractors.
• Contribute to contract negotiations and ensure commercial risks are identified and mitigated.
• Lead supplier feedback processes and work closely with procurement to build a robust and reliable supply chain.
• Drive improvements in estimating tools, templates, and systems, including the development of cost libraries.
• Ensure all estimating activities comply with company policies, health and safety regulations, and management systems.
• Assist in refining internal procedures for estimating and procurement processes.

Qualifications & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior estimating role within hard FM services, mechanical or building engineering.
• Strong understanding of asset lifecycle, condition reporting, and technical surveying.
• Track record of delivering multidisciplinary infrastructure tenders from conception to completion.
• Proficiency in estimating software, cost planning tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience working with national frameworks and large-scale projects.
• Skills & Attributes
• Exceptional leadership, coaching, and team development skills.
• High level of commercial acumen and strategic thinking.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to assess financial risk and opportunity.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills for engaging with stakeholders at all levels.
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and site conditions effectively.
• Organised, detail-oriented, and able to manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Desirable

• Degree or relevant qualifications in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or Construction Management.
• Membership of a professional body such as RICS, CIBSE, or CIOB.
• Experience in implementing new estimating platforms or digital tools.

THE PACKAGE

Competitive Salary

Company Car.

25 Days holiday plus bank holidays.

Opportunity for progression.

Flexibility for hybrid working.

Health care, life insurance and medical insurance available after a qualifying period.