Estaimtor / Senior Estimator
Calibre Search About the role
If you're an Estimator who understands earthworks and remediation rather than simply pricing from a bill of quantities, this could be worth a look. I'm working with a growing and ambitious contractor that has built an excellent reputation delivering earthworks, remediation, enabling works and infrastructure projects across Yorkshire and the wider UK. As their workload continues to grow, they're looking to appoint an Estimator who can bring both technical understanding and commercial awareness to the pre-construction team.
This isn't a role where you'll be sat in isolation pricing tenders. You'll be working closely with operational teams, planners, engineers and directors to develop winning solutions and commercially robust submissions. The business is involved in a wide range of projects including bulk earthworks, site preparation, remediation, cut and fill operations, soil stabilisation, brownfield regeneration and infrastructure schemes. As a result, they're keen to speak with candidates who understand the practical realities of delivering these types of projects on site.
The Role
You'll play a key role in securing future work by preparing accurate and competitive tenders while identifying opportunities to add value and reduce risk. Responsibilities will include:
- Preparing estimates and tender submissions for earthworks, remediation and enabling works projects
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, site investigation reports and tender documentation
- Assessing excavation, disposal, import and material movement requirements
- Liaising with suppliers, subcontractors and operational teams to obtain competitive quotations
- Identifying commercial risks and opportunities within tender submissions
- Supporting value engineering and alternative construction methodologies
- Attending pre-tender meetings and occasional site visits
- Working closely with senior management during tender adjudications
- Assisting with handovers to delivery teams following successful contract awards
We're keen to speak with Estimators, Senior Estimators or Quantity Surveyors with estimating experience within civil engineering. You'll ideally have experience of:
- Earthworks, remediation, enabling works or infrastructure projects
- Bulk excavation and material management
- Civil engineering estimating and tendering processes
- Interpreting technical information including drawings and site investigation reports
- Building rates from first principles
- Working collaboratively with operational and commercial teams
Most importantly, they're looking for someone who understands how projects are delivered on site and can use that knowledge to produce commercially competitive bids.
What makes this role a bit different
The business has ambitious growth plans and a strong reputation within the civil engineering sector. You'll be joining a team where your input will be valued, where you'll have direct access to decision makers and where you'll play a genuine role in shaping future project success. This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator looking to specialise further within earthworks and remediation or for an experienced individual seeking greater responsibility within a growing contractor.
Calibre Search promote equality in the workplace and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified candidates regardless of their sex, race, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age. We act as both an employment agency and employment business.
Your tasks
Prepare competitive tenders for exciting earthworks and remediation projects.
Your profile
Experience in estimating within civil engineering, especially earthworks and remediation.
What's also included
Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, bonus, and comprehensive package.
Tech stack & ways of working
Estaimtor / Senior Estimator employer: Calibre Search
Calibre Search is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a stable Monday to Friday schedule, competitive salary, and generous benefits including 33 days of annual leave, employees can thrive in a dynamic food manufacturing environment while advancing their skills through ongoing training opportunities.
Your perspectives
Make a real impact by shaping future project success in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice
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 Calibre Search, 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 Estaimtor / Senior Estimator at Calibre Search.
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 Calibre Search
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!
