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- 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.
- Why this job: Influence bid strategy and work on significant infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Engineering background and experience in civil engineering tenders.
- Other info: People-focused culture with investment in training and wellbeing.
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
Contact Detail:
Danny Sullivan Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can help you land that Senior Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to be able to discuss how your experience aligns with their work in civil engineering and infrastructure. Show them you’re genuinely interested and ready to contribute!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! You’ll want to clearly articulate your experience with tender pricing and managing estimating teams. We suggest rehearsing with a friend or in front of a mirror to boost your confidence before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your background aligns with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of your past successes in tender pricing and how you’ve led teams to secure major contracts. We love a good story!
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t forget to highlight your strong IT skills, especially with Excel and estimating software. If you have experience with commercial risk assessment or mentoring others, make sure to include that too. We’re looking for someone who can hit the ground running!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Danny Sullivan Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numeracy skills. Brush up on your estimating software and Excel capabilities before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of how you've managed complex tenders and the methodologies you used.
✨Understand the Tender Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire tender process from start to finish. Be ready to explain how you identify risks and opportunities during this lifecycle. Highlight any past experiences where your insights led to successful bids or improved strategies.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since you'll be managing and mentoring other estimators, it's crucial to convey your leadership style. Prepare examples of how you've guided teams in the past, particularly on larger bids. Discuss how you foster collaboration with bid managers and delivery teams.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Confidence in dealing with senior stakeholders is key. Think about times when you've successfully communicated complex information to non-technical audiences. Be ready to share how you build relationships and ensure everyone is aligned on pricing principles and methodologies.