At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bid process and prepare winning tenders for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join a leading firm known for high-profile, award-winning infrastructure projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, hybrid working, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Dynamic team culture with excellent opportunities for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on innovative projects while growing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering and strong estimating skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Due to continuous growth and a robust pipeline for 2025 and beyond, we are seeking an established Estimator to join our team in Preston. Our client delivers high-profile, award-winning projects ranging from £100k to £10m across bridges, public realms, highways, and utilities.
The Role
As a Senior Estimator, you will be responsible for the preparation and submission of winning tenders. You will lead the production of cost estimates from first principles, ensuring our bids are competitive, innovative, and technically sound.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the bid process, coordinating input from Design and Delivery teams to identify key win themes.
- Price civil engineering activities (earthworks, drainage, ducting, paving) by building up labour, plant, and material costs.
- Conduct early appraisals of scheme requirements to identify risks and challenge designs for more efficient construction methods.
- Manage subcontract packages, issue enquiries, and interrogate responses to ensure best value.
- Present comprehensive net cost estimates at internal meetings and implement necessary changes for timely submission.
About You
You are a methodical and organized professional with a deep understanding of market rates and a 'first principles' approach to pricing. You thrive under the pressure of deadlines and enjoy forming effective relationships with partners and stakeholders.
What we are looking for:
- Experience with a Tier 1 or Tier 2 Infrastructure main contractor.
- Solid knowledge of civil engineering projects (highways, utilities, public realm).
- Proficiency in MS Office and estimating systems is essential.
- Experience with Conquest and ASTA Powerproject is highly desirable.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to lead a team (desirable).
- Professional membership (RICS/CIOB/ICE) or relevant degree is an advantage.
Why join this company
We believe in rewarding our people with a package that supports their professional growth and personal well-being:
- Financial: Competitive salary, 6.5% employer pension contribution, and a savings scheme.
- Company car or allowance scheme featuring 100% hybrid/electric vehicles.
- Hybrid working, 26 days annual leave (rising with service) + bank holidays.
- Private healthcare (BUPA), Onsite Gym, Virtual GP (24/7), and an NHS-approved mental health support app.
- Enhanced family leave, Group Income Protection (50% for 3 years), and life assurance.
Senior Estimator in Preston employer: Certain Advantage
Join a forward-thinking company in Preston that values its employees and fosters a culture of growth and innovation. As a Senior Estimator, you will benefit from competitive salaries, generous annual leave, and a comprehensive health package, all while working on prestigious civil engineering projects. With a commitment to hybrid working and a supportive environment, this is an excellent opportunity for professionals looking to advance their careers in a dynamic and rewarding setting.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Preston
✨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 Certain Advantage, 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 Certain Advantage.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Preston
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 Certain Advantage
✨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!
