Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Job Summary

As an Estimator at Dragados, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for direct work packages and indirect costs (preliminaries) on major infrastructure and construction projects. You will play a key role in the commercial submission process by developing pricing models, coordinating with internal teams and supply chain partners, and ensuring that construction methodology, project constraints, opportunities, and risk elements are accurately reflected within the overall estimate.

As an Estimator at Dragados, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for direct work packages and indirect costs (preliminaries) on major infrastructure and construction projects. You will play a key role in the commercial submission process by developing pricing models, coordinating with internal teams and supply chain partners, and ensuring that construction methodology, project constraints, opportunities, and risk elements are accurately reflected within the overall estimate.

This opportunity is supporting the West Suffolk Hospital project, a major healthcare development. Candidates can be based locally to the project or in London, with flexibility to work across both locations where required.

The successful candidate will have proven estimating experience within the healthcare sector, with a strong understanding of hospital and healthcare construction projects. Experience working on large-scale, complex projects, excellent commercial acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams are essential.

• Support the business development function by assisting with bids and preparing competitive, accurate estimates.
• Collaborate closely with technical, planning, and construction teams to develop detailed cost estimates for work packages and associated preliminaries.
• Provide cost input into developing construction methodology, temporary works, resource planning, and logistics.
• Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain and validate quotes, unit rates, and proposed construction methodologies.
• Coordinate and align estimates with other estimators across the business.
• Contribute to project risk assessments by evaluating and estimating the cost implications of identified risks.
• Monitor and update budgets as the design evolves to ensure cost alignment and value.
• Support the evaluation and costing of changes during the bid stage.
• Maintain and update the company’s internal cost databases, market intelligence, and performance benchmarks between tender cycles.

• Strong understanding of estimating techniques and construction methodology.
• High degree of proficiency in first principles estimating techniques.
• Proficient in CCS (Candy Construction Software) for estimating.
• Skilled in both top-down and bottom-up estimating approaches.
• Knowledge of BIM-based cost models and risk tools such as QRA.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
• Strong ability to compile take-off measurements to a high degree of accuracy.
• Strong numerical, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
• High attention to detail with the ability to work accurately under pressure.
• Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Strong presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences in the most simplistic format.
• Self-starter with strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
• Highly self-motivated, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
• Resilient and adaptable when working to tight deadlines.

• Relevant experience in estimating roles with a main contractor or Tier 2 contractor.
• Experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects 50m to Billions
• In-depth understanding of construction techniques and their implications on cost.
• Expertise in using CCS (Candy Construction Software)

• Excellence:
  Promoting innovation, development, training and continuous improvement to achieve the highest quality of project delivery.
• Integrit…