Estimator; Civil Engineering

Job Reference: RAECE
020426

Job Title:

Estimator (Civil Engineering)
Rate: £70,000 to £80,000 + DOE + car / allowance / package

Location:

Belfast, Northern Ireland

Van Rath is recruiting an Estimator to work for a leading Civil Engineering Contractor, based in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Remuneration: £70,000 to £80,000 + DOE + car / allowance / package. Package includes company car or car allowance, healthcare scheme, pension scheme. The client is a UK leading specialist Civil Engineering contractor offering engineering, construction, demolition, decommissioning, remediation, environmental services and reinforced concrete frame solutions.

The Civil Engineering Estimator is responsible for preparing accurate and competitive cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure projects at pre-construction and tender stages. The role involves detailed take-offs, supply chain engagement, risk assessment, and close collaboration with engineering, planning, and commercial teams to support successful work winning.

• Take ownership of the end-to-end estimating process for assigned tenders, from initial enquiry through to final submission.
• Review ITT documentation, drawings, specifications, and contractual requirements to identify scope, risks, and deliverables.
• Prepare detailed cost estimates, including labour, plant, materials, subcontract packages, preliminaries, risk, and overheads.
• Develop cost plans and benchmark estimates during early contractor involvement (ECI) and pre-contract stages.
• Produce pricing build-ups, tender summaries, and commercial clarifications.
• Identify suitable subcontractors and suppliers and issue enquiries.
• Analyse subcontract and supplier returns for compliance, value, and risk.
• Support value engineering and alternative proposals in collaboration with engineering and planning teams.
• Identify commercial, technical, and programme risks and contribute to risk registers and allowances.
• Support value engineering workshops and optioneering to improve cost efficiency and buildability.
• Work with planners to ensure cost estimates align with programme and construction methodology.
• Work closely with Bid Managers, Planners, Engineers, and Operations to develop integrated tender submissions.
• Participate in internal tender reviews and settlement meetings.
• Maintain estimating records, assumptions, and audit trails in line with company procedures.
• Provide hand-over support to commercial and delivery teams following contract award.
• Assist with post-tender clarifications and negotiations as required.

• Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Professional membership (ICE, CIOB, RICS or similar) is desirable.
• 10 years plus experience as an Estimator within civil engineering/infrastructure sector (e.g., highways, earthworks, data centres, structures, utilities, major civils).
• Strong understanding of construction methods, temporary works, and sequencing.
• Competent in measurement and take-offs from drawings and specifications.
• Experience working to NEC and/or other standard forms of contract.
• High level of commercial awareness and attention to detail.
• Experience in ECI, framework, or negotiated contracts is desirable.
• Familiarity with estimating software, preferably Candy and Excel-based cost models (desirable).
• Understanding of risk pricing and value engineering techniques.
• Analytical and methodical approach.
• Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work to tight deadlines and manage multiple tenders.
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive, solutions-focused attitude.

• Company car or car allowance.
• Healthcare scheme.
• Pension scheme.
• + DOE.
• Car/allowance/package.

For further information on this vacancy, or any other Built Environment job in Belfast or wider Northern Ireland, please apply via the link below or contact Robert Apps for a confidential discussion.