At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive estimates for exciting highways and civil engineering projects.
- Company: Established civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation in the North West.
- Benefits: Salary between £60,000 - £80,000 plus excellent package and career progression.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities to work with local authorities and major contractors.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and work on impactful infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in civil engineering estimating or senior QS role required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Stockport / North West
Salary/Package: £60,000 - £80,000 + Package
About the Company
Our client is a highly established specialist civil engineering and highways contractor delivering projects across the North West. The business works extensively with local authorities, transport authorities, housebuilders and Tier 1 contractors, with a strong focus on highways and civil engineering schemes. The business has a substantial forward order book supported by long-term framework contracts and continues to grow its commercial and estimating function. Its projects include highways schemes, drainage works, junction improvements, public infrastructure and S278/S38 works.
The Role
As Senior Civil Estimator, you will take responsibility for preparing competitive and accurate estimates across a range of highways and civil engineering projects. You will work closely with clients, procurement, commercial and operational teams, supporting projects from early contractor involvement through to tender submission and handover.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing and submitting estimates for highways and civil engineering schemes
- Pricing works from existing schedules of rates and using first-principles estimating
- Carrying out accurate quantity take-offs and cost build-ups
- Negotiating with clients, including attending site meetings, undertaking measurements and agreeing methods of working
- Engaging with clients during Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) for future schemes
- Producing programmes and method statements where required
- Working closely with the Procurement Manager to develop and maintain key supply chain relationships
- Leading bids for PQQ and framework submissions
- Preparing commercial and social value information to support bids
- Preparing detailed estimator handover files for site teams, including build-ups, assumptions and targets
- Assisting the Commercial Team with compensation event build-ups
- Supporting the wider commercial team with business development and strategy
- Maintaining strong relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors
- Ensuring tenders are commercially robust, competitive and submitted within required deadlines
The Ideal Candidate
- Proven experience within civil engineering / highways estimating
- Alternatively, strong experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor within the highways sector
- Ideally 6+ years' experience within highways estimating or a senior QS role
- Strong knowledge of highways and civil engineering construction
- Experience pricing from schedules of rates and first principles
- Experience working on framework contracts would be advantageous
- Strong understanding of NEC and JCT contracts
- Experience with estimating packages such as Candy, Causeway or similar
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills
- Experience dealing directly with clients
- Ability to work on multiple tenders and meet strict deadlines
- Strong understanding of construction methodology and cost build-ups
- Good Microsoft Office and MS Project skills
- Experience preparing method statements would be advantageous
- Bid writing and PQQ/framework experience would be beneficial
- Strong communication and presentation skills
- Full UK driving licence
What's on Offer
- £60,000 - £80,000 salary
- Excellent package
- Stockport-based role with projects across the North West
- Opportunity to join an established and growing civil engineering contractor
- Long-term framework work across the North West
- Strong forward order book
- Exposure to major highways and civil engineering projects
- Opportunity to work with local authorities, housebuilders and Tier 1 contractors
- Career progression and long-term development
- Collaborative and commercially focused working environment
If you're interested in this opportunity, then please get in touch today with our Commercial Specialist, Mark Harris.
Senior Civils Estimator in Manchester employer: Building Careers UK Ltd
As an award-winning main contractor in Greater Manchester, our client offers a dynamic work environment that fosters innovation and collaboration. Employees benefit from a competitive salary and an excellent benefits package, alongside ample opportunities for professional growth within diverse sectors such as education and healthcare. The company's commitment to social value ensures that team members contribute to meaningful projects that positively impact the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Civils Estimator in Manchester
✨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 Building Careers UK Ltd, 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 Senior Civils Estimator at Building Careers UK Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Civils Estimator in Manchester
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 Building Careers UK Ltd
✨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!
