Senior Estimator

Volker Highways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities.

We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Senior Estimator to join our growing team at Volker Highways in Hoddesdon. This role is pivotal in supporting the business to achieve its turnover and profitability targets through accurate pricing and successful tendering.

• Prepare accurate tenders for capital projects and maintenance contracts.
• Manage key tender bids and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
• Interpret technical, commercial, and contractual requirements in tender documentation.
• Review and prepare tender pricing (including from first principles) for:
• Highway Term Maintenance contracts (up to £30m-£50m per annum).
• Schemes and projects up to £10m.
• Traffic management works.
• Complete tender reviews and attend Stakeholder meetings.
• Ensure compliance with all quality assurance requirements related to estimating.
• Compile and reconcile material and subcontract quotation enquiries.
• Complete tender handovers for awarded contracts and assist the Commercial team as required.
• Compare final contract costs against tender allowances.
• Develop and implement pricing strategies to maximise opportunities for winning work.
• Deliver comprehensive estimating services in line with company policies and procedures.
• Actively pursue alternatives and innovative solutions.

• Review and propose improvements to purchasing processes.
• Develop supply chain policy and philosophy in collaboration with the Business Manager.

We're looking for a proactive and detail-driven Senior Estimator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering excellence. To succeed in this role, you'll bring:

• Proven experience in estimating within highways or similar civil engineering projects.
• Track record of securing profitable contracts and contributing to business growth.
• Strong skills in tender handover and ensuring smooth transitions to delivery teams.
• Excellent presentation and communication abilities, confident in client-facing situations.
• Collaborative mindset - a team player and motivator who inspires others.
• Solid understanding of contract conditions, specifications, and technical drawings.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
• IT proficiency, including estimating software and Microsoft Office tools.

Volker Highways is under the umbrella of Volker Wessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure.

By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within Volker Wessels UK, Volker Highways can ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.

We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life Assurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
• Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefit
• Flexible working opportunities
• Employee Assistance programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 Virtual GP service

We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, Volker Wessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.