Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Senior Estimator

Location: Lancashire

Salary: Up to £75,000 (DOE)

Sector: Civil Engineering / Infrastructure

Type: Permanent, Full-Time

The Opportunity

Our client is a well-established Tier 1 contractor with a strong reputation for delivering major infrastructure and civil engineering projects across the North West. Due to continued growth within their civil engineering division, they are seeking an experienced Estimator or Senior Estimator who can hit the ground running and take ownership of tenders from day one.

This is an excellent opportunity to join a stable and highly experienced pre-construction team, working on a diverse portfolio of highways and infrastructure projects valued between £100k and £10m.

The Role

Reporting into the Pre-Construction leadership team, you will be responsible for producing accurate and competitive estimates across a range of civil engineering schemes. The successful candidate will have a strong understanding of pricing work from first principles and be confident building up costs across key civil engineering disciplines.

You will typically work on 2-3 tenders per month, managing the estimating process from enquiry through to submission.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates and tender submissions for civil engineering projects.
• Price works from first principles, developing robust labour, plant and material cost build-ups.
• Review tender documentation, specifications and drawings.
• Assess project risks and opportunities.
• Obtain and evaluate subcontractor and supplier quotations.
• Work closely with operational teams to ensure commercially viable submissions.
• Produce accurate cost plans and tender adjudication documents.
• Utilise Conquest estimating software to prepare and manage estimates.
• Support continuous improvement within the pre-construction function.

Project Types

Projects typically range from £100k to £10m and include:

• Highways
• Roads
• Bridges
• Infrastructure improvements
• Public realm works
• Civil engineering packages

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within the civil engineering sector.
• Strong knowledge of highways and infrastructure projects.
• Ability to price works from first principles.
• Experience pricing:
  • Earthworks
  • Drainage
  • Ducting
  • Paving
• Commercial awareness and understanding of tendering processes.
• Experience using estimating software, ideally Conquest.
• Ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.

Desirable

• Experience working for a Tier 1 contractor or major civil engineering business.
• Exposure to NEC contracts.
• Relevant construction or engineering qualification.

Not Suitable For

This opportunity is focused on civil engineering and infrastructure projects. Candidates whose estimating background is primarily within rail or aerospace sectors are unlikely to be suitable.

The Team

You will join a close-knit and experienced estimating department.

The business prides itself on staff retention, technical expertise and a collaborative working environment.

What's on Offer?

• Competitive salary up to £75,000 depending on experience.
• Opportunity to join a leading Tier 1 contractor.
• Strong pipeline of secured and upcoming work.
• Stable and experienced team environment.
• Long-term career progression opportunities.
• Flexible/hybrid working arrangements available.

Interview Process

• One-stage interview
• Office-based interview with key stakeholders
• Fast decision-making process