Estimator, Construction, Civil Engineering

Estimator
Wakefield, West Yorkshire
Full-time, Permanent
£45,000 – £65,000 (dependent on experience) + Company Car/Allowance + Benefits

Our client is a leading, well-established groundworks and civil engineering contractor based in Wakefield, operating across Yorkshire and the North of England. They deliver high-quality infrastructure, deep drainage, and substructure solutions for major commercial main contractors, and public sector clients. Due to a strong pipeline of upcoming projects, they are seeking an experienced and detail-oriented Estimator to join the commercial team.

The Estimator will be responsible for producing accurate, competitive tenders for groundworks and civil engineering projects ranging in value from £500k to £5m. Working closely with the Commercial Manager and Directors, you will analyze tender documentation, quantify project requirements, manage subcontractor quotations, and deliver priced bills of quantities that mitigate risk while maximizing profitability.

Key Responsibilities

* Tender Management:
Review incoming tender packages, drawings, and specifications to understand project scopes, constraints, and contractual requirements.

* Take-Offs & Quantifications:
Produce accurate earthworks, drainage, and groundworks material take-offs from 2D/3D drawings using digital estimating software.

* Cost Estimation:
Calculate comprehensive labor, plant, material, and subcontractor costs to build detailed, analytical first-principle estimates.

* Subcontractor & Supplier Procurement:
Issue inquiries to material suppliers and subcontractors, analyze returned quotations for compliance, and negotiate competitive rates.

* Risk & Opportunity Assessment:
Identify operational risks, site constraints, and value-engineering opportunities to give the company a competitive edge.

* Tender Adjudication:
Present final cost estimates and tender analytical summaries to Directors during adjudication meetings before final submission.

* Site Visits:
Attend pre-tender site visits and client mid-tender meetings across the region as required.

* Handover:
Conduct thorough handovers of successful tenders to the site operations and commercial surveying teams.

Skills & Qualifications

* Experience:

Minimum of 3–5 years of experience estimating specifically within the UK groundworks, civil engineering, or highways sectors.

* Technical Knowledge:
Deep understanding of drainage, earthworks, foundations, road construction, and utility infrastructure.

* Software Proficiency:
Experience using digital estimating software (e.g., Causeways, Conquest, Candy, or similar) and digital take-off packages (e.g., Bluebeam, Mud Shark).

* Contracts:
Familiarity with standard forms of construction contracts, particularly NEC4 and JCT.

* Education:

A degree, HND, or HNC in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or an equivalent trade-based background.

* Location:

Based within a commutable distance of Wakefield and holding a full, valid UK driving license.

What We Offer

* Competitive base salary with annual performance reviews.

* Company car, or car allowance.

* Clear path for career progression into Senior Estimating or Commercial Management roles