Airswift
Lead Estimator
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LEAD ESTIMATOR – FABRICATION (STRUCTURAL STEELWORK & PIPEWORK)
Location: Grimsby, UK
Contract Type: Permanent or PAYE Contract
Department: Fabrication
Start Date: ASAP
Role Overview
This role leads the estimating function for structural steelwork and pipework projects, ensuring accurate, competitive bids aligned with operational delivery and commercial objectives. The successful candidate will combine strong technical estimating capability with leadership and stakeholder engagement.
Role & Responsibilities
- Lead and support the estimating team to deliver accurate and timely bids
- Assign work, prioritise workload, and report progress to management
- Review tender documentation to identify risks, opportunities, and scope gaps
- Support pricing strategy and bid adjudication with senior management
- Prepare detailed cost estimates including labour, materials, equipment, subcontract and indirects
- Produce quantity take-offs for structural/plating works (primary) and piping (secondary)
- Interpret drawings, specifications, isometrics, and MTOs for estimate development
- Prepare and issue RFQs to subcontractors and evaluate returns
- Define bid strategies including execution approach, schedule, and subcontract requirements
- Attend site walkdowns to understand scope and constraints
- Compile proposal documentation and coordinate internal estimate reviews
- Work closely with fabrication and project teams on workload and execution planning
- Compile handover work packs for awarded projects
- Lead estimating meetings and provide monthly reporting to management
- Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors
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Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior or lead estimating role within fabrication
- Experience leading or mentoring estimating teams and managing bid workloads
- Strong commercial understanding of fabrication projects (shop and site)
- Ability to interpret drawings/specifications and develop accurate cost estimates
- Strong experience in structural/plating fabrication estimating (primary discipline)
- Working knowledge of piping estimating principles (secondary), including isometrics and MTOs
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills
- Proficient in Microsoft Excel and Word
- Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously
- Detail-oriented, self-motivated, and resourceful
- Understanding of project execution planning and scheduling principles
- Knowledge of mechanical and structural disciplines, including piping experience (desirable)
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The next step
We have an exceptional team in place, and we are pleased to be able to appoint a further person to our growing business. We are aware that you may not ‘tick all the boxes’, but if you believe you can genuinely offer some valuable skills and experience to our business, please in the first instance contact our recruitment partner Airswift.
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