At a Glance
- Tasks: Estimate and manage tenders for exciting power cabling projects up to 400kV.
- Company: Join Balfour Beatty, a leader in infrastructure development and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid work, generous leave policies, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent career growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that strengthen communities and support national economies.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating, strong communication skills, and proficiency in Microsoft Office.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
About the Role
Balfour Beatty is seeking an Estimator to join our Power Transmission & Distribution business in Derby. The role focuses primarily on estimating for Transmission power cabling projects up to 400kV, with additional support across other workstreams within the Power T&D portfolio including Distribution and Multi-Utility.
Role Purpose
Ensure tenders are prepared and submitted in line with client requirements, producing accurate, competitive, and well‑structured submissions that comply with Gated Lifecycle, Bid Governance, and Audit processes. The role provides both pre‑ and post‑contract estimating services, working collaboratively across strategy, commercial, operational, procurement, finance, insurance, and legal teams to ensure a clear understanding of client expectations.
Key Responsibilities
- Adhere to all Gated Lifecycle, Bid Governance, and Code of Conduct requirements.
- Maintain high‑quality estimating files and records in line with governance standards.
- Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries to support tender development.
- Produce clear, accurate tender build‑ups and maintain tender‑stage risk and opportunity registers.
- Support seamless handover to commercial, operational, and procurement teams following contract award.
- Review and disseminate tender documentation, attend client briefings, and manage formal tender queries.
- Complete risk grading for opportunities and ensure CRM records are accurate and up to date.
- Build strong relationships with clients to support future business growth.
- Ensure all estimating data, such as labour and plant rates, is current and relevant.
- Thoroughly documented estimates that meet both internal and client standards for cost transparency and benchmarking.
Essential Skills & Experience
- Proven experience in a similar estimating role, managing multiple projects simultaneously.
- Strong understanding of Risk & Opportunity analysis and financial data.
- Knowledge of NEC, FIDIC, and other relevant contract forms.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, with confidence engaging senior stakeholders and clients.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and estimating software such as CANDY.
Why work for us
Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.
Competitive salary + car
37.5‑hour workweek (Monday to Friday)
Hybrid and flexibility inline with the Balfour Beatty smart working policy.
Pension scheme: Up to 5% employee & 7% employer contributions
Family‑friendly policies: 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave, 4 weeks full pay for paternity/partner leave, 25 days holiday plus bank holidays
Professional development: Access to a broad range of learning opportunities, including qualifications
Employee Assistance Programme for support and well‑being
Volunteering opportunities: Up to 2 days per year
About Us
Balfour Beatty’s Power Transmission & Distribution teams work with regional, national and international electricity network owners and operators to provide technical engineering solutions across the full spectrum of the electricity grid, including overhead lines, cabling, substations and distribution networks. From scoping and feasibility, to design, construction and on‑going maintenance, our in‑house experts, flexible resources and industry‑leading innovations support customers in the development of some of the UK’s most ambitious power transmission and distribution projects.
Diversity and inclusion
At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of their identity or background.
As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.
Estimator Cables and Multi Utility employer: Balfour
Balfour Beatty is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Derby where you can contribute to impactful power transmission and distribution projects. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to diversity and inclusion, Balfour Beatty fosters a culture that empowers individuals to thrive while making a meaningful difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator Cables and Multi Utility
✨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 Balfour, 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 Cables and Multi Utility at Balfour.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator Cables and Multi Utility
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 Balfour
✨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!
