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, MudShark). * 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
Estimator in Wakefield employer: Acrow Recruitment
Join a leading Irish Main Contractor in Galway, where you will not only take charge of a diverse portfolio of projects but also enjoy a clear pathway to advance to Commercial Director. With a strong emphasis on employee development, competitive remuneration including profit share, and a collaborative work culture, this role offers a unique opportunity for seasoned professionals looking to make a significant impact in the construction industry while enjoying the scenic beauty of the West of Ireland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Wakefield
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Acrow Recruitment, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Estimator at Acrow Recruitment.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Acrow Recruitment
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
