Senior Estimator

About The Role

You will lead the estimating function on a range of civil engineering projects, producing accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders. Working closely with operational, commercial and planning teams, you will manage the full tender lifecycle from initial enquiry through to submission, ensuring risks, opportunities, methodology and programme are fully considered and reflected in pricing.

• Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for civil engineering tenders.
• Review ITT documentation, drawings, specifications and contract conditions (including NEC).
• Prepare take‑offs and develop rates for labour, plant, materials, temporary works and subcontract packages.
• Obtain, analyse and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Develop tender clarifications, assumptions and exclusions.
• Work with planners to integrate construction methodology and programme into pricing.
• Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities within tenders.
• Support bid strategy, value engineering and alternative proposals.
• Lead estimating handovers to delivery teams post‑award.
• Maintain cost databases, benchmarking data and estimating best practice.
• Mentor and support junior estimators where required.
• Present estimates and key risks clearly to senior management.

• Proven experience in estimating within civil engineering (e.g. earthworks, drainage, structures, highways, utilities).
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to build estimates from first principles.
• Good working knowledge of NEC contracts and UK construction procurement.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines under pressure.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
• Full UK driving licence.

• HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or similar.
• Experience with estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Candy, CostX, Bluebeam).
• Professional membership (ICE, CIOB, RICS).