Estimator

05th November, 2026

An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced Ground Investigation Estimator to join a well-established ground investigation and infrastructure business.
This is a senior work-winning role focused on securing profitable ground investigation projects across the UK. You will join an experienced estimating team and work closely with operational, commercial and business development colleagues to prepare competitive and technically robust tenders.
Projects span a range of sectors including highways, rail, nuclear, new build, onshore and offshore energy and environmental schemes.
The role would suit an experienced ground investigation professional with strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness and the confidence to work directly with clients, engineers and main contractors throughout the tender process.

The Role
As Ground Investigation Estimator, you will take responsibility for reviewing opportunities, assessing project requirements and preparing detailed bids for ground investigation works.
You will evaluate technical requirements, confirm resource and delivery capability, obtain supplier and subcontractor quotations and ensure each tender is commercially compliant and appropriately costed.
The role also includes site visits, tender interviews and proposal presentations, so a strong understanding of practical ground investigation delivery is essential.
Key ResponsibilitiesEstimating & Tendering

• Prepare competitive tenders for ground investigation projects
• Complete bid / no-bid assessments
• Review specifications, scopes and tender documentation
• Use estimating templates in line with company commercial procedures
• Produce bids for peer and senior-management review
• Develop tender-stage programmes and organisation charts
• Ensure bids include appropriate health, safety and environmental allowances
• Maintain accurate tender records and submission information
• Support preparation of PQQs and associated bid documentation

Commercial & Resource Planning

• Obtain subcontractor and supplier quotations
• Review supplier and subcontractor rates
• Liaise with resource teams to confirm project capacity and capability
• Review project-specific terms and conditions with the commercial team
• Ensure proposed solutions are practical, deliverable and commercially viable
• Support commercial reviews throughout the tender process

Ground Investigation & Technical Input

• Apply strong knowledge of ground investigation techniques, procedures and specifications
• Assess appropriate investigation methods and resources for each tender
• Undertake site visits to assess feasibility and project requirements
• Review access, programme and operational constraints
• Consider appropriate drilling, investigation and testing techniques
• Provide technical input to the wider estimating and operational teams

Client & Work Winning

• Liaise with clients, engineers and main contractors throughout the tender phase
• Attend client site visits, tender interviews and proposal presentations
• Work with operational teams on coordinated business development activity
• Attend work-winning, estimating and regional meetings
• Help develop strong client relationships
• Support repeat business and identify future opportunities

About You
We are seeking an experienced ground investigation professional with a strong understanding of how GI projects are scoped, priced and delivered.
You may already be working as a Ground Investigation Estimator, or have progressed through project management, contracts management or another senior ground investigation position with significant tendering and commercial exposure.
You should be confident interpreting technical specifications, assessing project risks and resources and turning project requirements into competitive, practical and deliverable proposals.
Strong commercial awareness, attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple tender opportunities will be important.

Qualifications

• Relevant degree or equivalent qualification in Geology, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering, Civil Engineering or a related discipline
• Relevant professional membership would be advantageous
• CSCS Card
• Full UK driving licence

Experience & Skills

• Around 10 years' relevant ground investigation industry experience
• Strong knowledge of ground investigation techniques, procedures and specifications
• Experience preparing or contributing to ground investigation tenders and estimates
• Good understanding of relevant industry standards and codes of practice
• Knowledge of different Conditions of Contract
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of project costs
• Ability to interpret technical specifications and identify appropriate investigation methods
• Experience liaising with clients, engineers and main contractors
• Experience working with suppliers and subcontractors
• Confident attending tender interviews and proposal meetings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Strong organisational and prioritisation skills
• Ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously
• Competent Microsoft Office skills
• Proactive, practical and commercially focused approach
• Ability to undertake site visits on construction, highways and rail projects

Salary & Benefits

• Competitive salary
• 25 days' annual leave
• Option to purchase additional annual leave
• Enhanced company pension
• Electric vehicle scheme, where applicable
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Employee recognition programmes
• Family-friendly support
• Retail discounts
• Hybrid working
• Ongoing professional training and development

Inclusion & Diversity
The employer is committed to creating an inclusive and supportive working environment where individuals from all backgrounds are welcomed and respected.