Job Description:

Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding

Salary: £60,000 - £80,000 + Pension + Career Progression + Package

Location: Tonbridge, Kent

Full-time, Permanent Position

Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding to join a specialist façade contractor delivering high-profile building envelope projects across the UK. This Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding role is ideally suited to someone whose background is primarily in estimating, but who also enjoys taking ownership of the bid and tender management process from enquiry through to submission.

The successful Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding will play a key role within the pre-construction team, preparing accurate and commercially competitive estimates while coordinating and managing tender returns. This Bid Manager / Estimator - Facades, Curtain Walling & Cladding opportunity offers involvement in a varied portfolio of projects and the chance to become an integral part of a well-established and growing business. If you are an experienced estimator looking to step into a broader bid management position, this could be an excellent next move.

About the Company

This established specialist contractor delivers fully integrated design, supply, installation and project management services for complex façade projects. Working across both new build and refurbishment sectors, the business has built a strong reputation for technical expertise, quality delivery and long-term client relationships within the building envelope market.

Why Join Them

The company has a strong pipeline of secured work across a range of façade and cladding projects, offering long-term stability and exposure to technically challenging schemes. You will join an experienced pre-construction team where estimating and commercial expertise are highly valued, working closely with senior management and operational teams. The business encourages professional development and provides genuine opportunities to progress as it continues to grow.

About the Role

This is fundamentally an estimating role with additional responsibility for coordinating and managing the bid process. You will be responsible for producing detailed cost estimates while ensuring tender submissions are professionally prepared, commercially robust and delivered within required timescales.

Key responsibilities include:

• Reviewing drawings, specifications, employer's requirements and tender documentation.

• Producing detailed and accurate cost estimates for façade and building envelope packages.

• Managing the bid process from initial enquiry through to final tender submission.

• Obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations.

• Preparing comprehensive and competitive tender returns in line with client requirements.

• Identifying value engineering opportunities while maintaining technical compliance.

• Liaising with design, technical and operational teams to ensure a full understanding of project requirements.

• Assessing commercial, technical and programme risks during the pre-construction stage.

• Preparing tender reports, bid documentation and supporting information for internal reviews.

• Supporting handover meetings with delivery teams following successful bid awards.

• Contributing to the ongoing development and improvement of estimating and bid management procedures.

Requirements

• Previous experience in an Estimator, Senior Estimator, Bid Manager or similar pre-construction role within the façade, curtain walling, cladding or specialist subcontracting sector.

• Strong technical understanding of curtain walling, windows, doors and rainscreen cladding systems.

• Proven experience preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions for façade projects.

• Knowledge of leading façade systems and suppliers such as Reynaers, Schüco, Aluprof or similar.

• Strong commercial awareness and analytical skills.

• Excellent organisational and communication abilities.

• The ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines simultaneously.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word and associated estimating software.

• Experience supporting or mentoring junior pre-construction team members would be advantageous.

Summary

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator to take on a broader Bid Manager / Estimator position within a respected and technically strong façade contractor. Combining hands-on estimating with responsibility for managing the tender process, the role offers genuine autonomy, long-term stability and the opportunity to contribute directly to the future growth and success of the business.

Contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment for more information.