Job Description:

Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering & Infrastructure

Location: West Cumbria
Employment: Permanent
Sector: Civil Engineering / Major Infrastructure

The Opportunity

We are recruiting for an experienced Senior Estimator to join an established civil engineering contractor delivering a major, long-term infrastructure renewal programme in West Cumbria.

This is an excellent opportunity to become involved in a significant programme of civil engineering works, covering roads, rail infrastructure, bridges, utilities and major structural upgrades.

Projects typically range up to £10m, with larger schemes valued between £10m and £30m. The wider programme is expected to run for approximately 8–15 years, offering excellent long-term career prospects.

The successful candidate will play a key role in preparing accurate and competitive tender estimates, working closely with bid management, planning, procurement and operational teams.

The Role

As Senior Estimator, you will take responsibility for preparing detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for a range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects.

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure tenders.
• Developing first-principles estimates covering labour, plant, materials, subcontractors and preliminaries.
• Reviewing drawings, specifications, bills of quantities and tender documentation.
• Carrying out quantity take-offs and preparing detailed pricing schedules.
• Working closely with Bid Managers, Planners, Procurement and Engineering teams to develop competitive tender submissions.
• Obtaining, reviewing and comparing supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Assessing construction methodologies, programme requirements and associated costs.
• Pricing Temporary Works requirements in coordination with engineering and technical teams.
• Identifying tender risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Supporting early contractor involvement and budget pricing exercises.
• Preparing tender summaries and presenting pricing information at settlement meetings.
• Supporting post-tender clarifications and commercial discussions.
• Providing detailed estimating handovers to project delivery and commercial teams following successful tenders.
• Supporting and mentoring junior estimators where required.

Requirements

• Previous experience as a Senior Estimator or experienced Estimator within civil engineering or infrastructure.
• Strong background in pricing civil engineering works, ideally including highways, rail, bridges, structures, utilities or heavy civils.
• Experience preparing detailed first-principles estimates.
• Good understanding of construction methodologies, resource planning and project costs.
• Experience working with NEC contracts.
• Strong knowledge of tendering procedures, procurement and subcontractor pricing.
• Experience reviewing bills of quantities, drawings and technical specifications.
• Good commercial awareness and understanding of project risks.
• Experience using estimating software packages.
• Strong communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with bid, planning, engineering and operational teams.
• Ability to obtain UK Security Check (SC) clearance, or already hold the appropriate clearance.

Apply Now

If you are an experienced Senior Estimator with a strong civil engineering or infrastructure background and are looking for a long-term opportunity on a major infrastructure programme, we would be interested in hearing from you. Apply today for a confidential discussion about the position.