Senior Estimator / Designer (IT Infrastructure)
- manchester, greater manchester, M2, United Kingdom
- Permanent·Hybrid
- Full time
Job Description
Our client, a fast-growing technology and infrastructure business, is looking for a Senior Estimator / Designer to lead estimating, technical design and bid development across complex, multi-discipline projects within their pre-construction and commercial function. This is a senior, autonomous position, not a support or pricing-only role: you would carry genuine technical authority, commercial accountability and client-facing responsibility, shaping solutions and influencing bid strategy rather than simply costing what is put in front of you.
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The role is weighted towards structured cabling and IT infrastructure, with broader multi-discipline exposure genuinely valued, including low-voltage electrical and UPS systems, wireless and cellular technologies, IP security and audio visual. You would operate with minimal supervision, act as a senior reference point for developing colleagues, and be trusted to contribute directly to winning work rather than only pricing it.
The role reports to the Commercial Director. There are no direct reports initially, though informal mentoring of less experienced estimators is part of the role as you establish yourself. Permanent, Oldham, £45,000 to £55,000 depending on experience, plus a highly competitive commission structure and a full benefits package.
About the BusinessOur client is a fast-growing, privately owned infrastructure and technology business, debt-free and financially independent, designing, installing and supporting complex connectivity and infrastructure projects for enterprise customers and channel partners nationwide.
Their portfolio spans Wi-Fi 6/7, LAN, structured cabling, fibre optic, private cellular, smart hands services, planned and reactive maintenance, AV, IP CCTV, EV charging and sustainability services, delivering everything from single high-value enterprise projects to national multi-site rollout programmes.
This is a hybrid role based from Oldham, and it is the second appointment ravensearch has made for this client following a successful placement earlier this year.
What You'll Be DoingLeading cost planning, estimating and tender submissions for medium to large, technically complex projects, ensuring commercial robustness and alignment with delivery capability
Owning scope definition, assumptions, exclusions, dependencies and commercial risk, supporting bid strategy, margin control and value-engineering decisions
Developing and maintaining pricing models, bills of quantities, labour schedules and supporting documentation suitable for private and public-sector procurement
Leading or validating technical designs across IT infrastructure, structured cabling, low-voltage electrical and wireless systems, ensuring solutions are compliant, buildable and deliverable
Managing and coordinating internal surveying engineers and external survey partners during pre-construction
Building and maintaining strong client relationships at bid and pre-construction stage, operating as a trusted technical partner rather than a transactional supplier
Contributing directly to winning work through technical credibility, commercial input and effective engagement with clients, internal stakeholders and the supply chain
Monitoring tender portals and framework pipelines, including advance planning for public-sector renewals and re-procurements
Maintaining a structured opportunity pipeline with accurate forecasting of probability, value and key milestones
Supporting the continuous improvement of estimating standards, tools and governance as the function scales
Acting as a senior reference point for developing colleagues, with informal mentoring where useful
Senior-level estimating and technical design experience within a technology, infrastructure or engineering-led environment
Minimum 5 years' experience with recognised industry qualifications, or 10 years' experience without formal qualifications
Strong technical grounding in one or more of: passive and active IT infrastructure, structured cabling (copper and fibre), or low-voltage electrical infrastructure
Advantageous: UPS and battery energy storage systems, wireless and cellular technologies, IP security and wider IP-based platforms, audio visual and digital signage
Proven ability to design and price integrated, multi-discipline solutions within design-and-build and early contractor engagement environments
A clear track record of contributing directly to winning work through technical authority and commercial xwwtmva judgement, not just accurate pricing
Comfortable operating autonomously with genuine ownership of bids and commercial decisions
Confident engaging senior client stakeholders during pre-construction
Experience with frameworks, Schedule of Rates or public-sector procurement is highly advantageous
Advanced Excel is essential; familiarity with Simpro, Contract Master, AutoCAD, Ekahau, JVSG, BlueBeam or FieldWire is a strong plus
This role will not suit junior or support-only estimators, candidates without client or bid-stage engagement, quantity surveyors lacking technical design responsibility, or anyone uncomfortable with commercial accountability.
£45,000 - £55,000 depending on experience
A highly competitive commission structure, linked to individual contribution and overall business performance
Hybrid and flexible working, supportive of family commitments
Comprehensive benefits including Medicash, Cycle to Work, Employee Assistance Programme and Death in Service
Pension scheme, paid annual leave plus bank holidays
Regular company and customer events
The opportunity to help shape estimating standards, tools and governance as the function scales
Genuine autonomy over bids and commercial decisions, working alongside experienced professionals
Strong investment in training, certifications and ongoing professional development