At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major tenders and shape winning strategies in civil engineering.
- Company: Top UK civil engineering contractor with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term projects, and strong career progression.
- Other info: People-focused culture with investment in training and wellbeing.
- Why this job: Influence bid strategy and work on significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Engineering background and experience in civil engineering tenders.
The predicted salary is between 68000 - 85000 £ per year.
We’re working in partnership with a leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor to recruit an experienced Senior Estimator. This is a key role within the pre-construction team, focused on leading major tenders and helping secure long-term, high-value work across regulated and private sector frameworks. The business delivers complex civil engineering solutions across sectors including water, transport, energy and the built environment, operating as a Tier 1 contractor on some of the UK’s most significant infrastructure programmes.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you’ll take ownership of tender pricing from first principles through to contract award, leading estimating teams on larger bids and playing a central role in shaping winning strategies. You’ll work closely with bid, planning and delivery teams to develop robust, competitive and commercially sound submissions, while identifying risk, opportunity and key assumptions throughout the tender lifecycle.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of estimates in line with established estimating procedures
- Manage and mentor estimators on larger and more complex tenders
- Identify commercial risk and opportunity during the tender process
- Work with bid managers, planners and delivery teams to agree methodologies and pricing principles
- Maintain key assumptions, pricing registers and full tender audit trails
- Prepare and present adjudication packs, including basis of estimate and commercial strategy
- Support negotiations and manage post-adjudication actions
- Deliver clear estimating handovers to site teams at contract award
- Provide ongoing commercial and estimating support during project delivery
- Contribute to business development activity through early-stage pricing and advice
What We’re Looking For
Essential:
- Engineering or commercial background
- HNC / Degree (or equivalent) in an engineering or construction-related discipline
- Strong experience in civil engineering and/or water infrastructure
- Proven track record delivering tenders up to £50m
- High level of numeracy and strong IT skills, particularly Excel and estimating software
- Ability to produce commercially viable and deliverable tenders
Desirable:
- Experience in wastewater, rail or tunnelling projects
- Chartered or Incorporated status (or working towards)
- Confidence working with senior internal and external stakeholders
What’s On Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package (£85,000 - £100,000 DOE)
- Long-term secured workload through major frameworks
- Exposure to large, technically complex infrastructure schemes
- Strong career progression and development support
- A people-focused culture with genuine investment in training, leadership and wellbeing
If you’re a Senior Estimator looking for a role where you can genuinely influence bid strategy, mentor others, and work on nationally significant infrastructure projects, this is a standout opportunity.
Senior Estimator employer: Danny Sullivan Group
At Diamond, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering Electricians the chance to work on exciting commercial projects in the heart of Central London. Our commitment to a diverse and inclusive workplace ensures that all employees feel valued and supported, while our focus on professional development provides ample opportunities for growth and advancement within the industry. Join us to be part of a dynamic team that values professionalism and fosters a clean, effective working environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨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 Danny Sullivan Group, 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 Danny Sullivan Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
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 Danny Sullivan Group
✨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!
