Head of Estimating (Fire Protection)

Our client is a leading name in the Fire Protection Industry and as part of their continued growth, are seeking a Head of Estimating to be based from their office in East London.

The Role

You will report directly to the Managing Director and oversee a team of 6 Estimators in this growing division. You will spearhead the full estimating function for fire protection projects (passive, active, fire-stopping, fire-doors, compartmentation, etc.).

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of six estimators, ensuring high performance and consistent output.
• Allocate workload across the team, balancing resource demands and project deadlines.
• Conduct regular performance reviews, identify training needs, and support professional development.
• Oversee adherence to company procedures, quality standards, and compliance expectations
• Review detailed tender documents, specifications, drawings, and schedules to identify project risks and opportunities.
• Validate and sign off all major estimates, tender submissions, and cost plans prepared by the team.
• Ensure accuracy, competitiveness, and consistency in all pricing strategies and methodologies.
• Lead complex tender submissions, ensuring they are technically sound and commercially robust.
• Coordinate clarifications, RFIs, and technical queries with clients and design teams.
• Participate in pre-tender and post-tender meetings, presentations, and negotiations.
• Maintain tender programme deadlines and ensure timely delivery of all submissions.
• Work with senior leadership to shape pricing strategies and market positioning for fire protection works.
• Contribute to business planning, including forecasting, pipeline tracking, and bid/no-bid decisions.
• Identify commercial risks and mitigation strategies within project scopes.
• Support handover to operations teams, ensuring estimates are fully understood and deliverable.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors in the fire-protection sector.
• Oversee procurement of competitive quotations and ensure technical alignment across bids.
• Negotiate pricing, terms, and preferred supplier agreements to optimise cost efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within the estimating department.
• Standardise estimating templates, workflows, and quality control procedures.
• Ensure all estimates comply with industry standards, regulations, and fire-protection codes.
• Introduce digital tools or software enhancements to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Produce regular reports on tender performance, hit rates, cost trends, and departmental KPIs.
• Communicate effectively with directors, project managers, and external stakeholders.
• Provide strategic advice on project viability, market trends, and cost fluctuations.

The Package

Base Salary up to £130k + Car Allowance + Travel, Pension, Healthcare, Bonus Scheme and more