At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tendering and cost planning for exciting civils and infrastructure projects.
- Company: Respected civil engineering contractor in the North East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, clear progression routes, and supportive teams.
- Other info: Great opportunity for growth into Principal Estimator or Pre-Construction Manager roles.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
We’re supporting a respected civil engineering contractor in the North East who is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to lead tendering and cost planning across a range of civils and infrastructure projects. This role suits a commercially sharp estimator who can produce accurate, competitive tenders and support strategic bidding decisions.
Key Responsibilities
- Tender Preparation: Lead the preparation of detailed and competitive tenders for civils projects.
- Cost Planning: Develop cost plans, budgets, and pricing strategies aligned with project requirements.
- Quantity Take-Offs: Complete accurate take-offs and measurements from drawings and specifications.
- Subcontractor & Supplier Engagement: Obtain quotations, evaluate proposals, and negotiate competitive pricing.
- Risk & Value Analysis: Identify project risks, opportunities, and value-engineering options.
- Bid Coordination: Work closely with operational, engineering, and commercial teams to ensure cohesive bid submissions.
- Client & Stakeholder Liaison: Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
What You’ll Bring
- Proven experience as a Senior Estimator or strong Estimator within civil engineering.
- Solid understanding of groundworks, drainage, utilities, structures, highways, or public realm.
- Strong numerical, analytical, and commercial skills.
- Ability to interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation.
- Confident communicator able to collaborate across multiple departments.
- Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field advantageous.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and package
- Opportunity to lead tendering for high-profile North East civils schemes
- Clear progression routes into Principal Estimator or Pre-Construction Manager roles
- Supportive commercial and pre-construction teams
If you’re an experienced Senior Estimator looking for your next challenge within the North East civils sector, we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or contact us for a confidential conversation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Durham
✨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 CDM 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 Senior Estimator at CDM Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Durham
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 CDM 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!
