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- Tasks: Lead high-value civil engineering tenders and manage risk assessments.
- Company: Established civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, travel opportunities, and professional development.
- Why this job: Shape tender strategies and make a real impact in the industry.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We are working on behalf of a well‑established civil engineering contractor who is looking to appoint a Senior Estimator to strengthen their pre‑contracts capability. This is a senior, influential role within the business, offering genuine involvement in bid strategy, commercial risk assessment and tender leadership, rather than simply price‑building. The successful candidate will play a key role in securing future work and shaping how tenders are approached from a commercial and operational standpoint.
The role will be based from Chesterfield, with occasional travel to project locations including Huntingdon and Peterborough, and periodic attendance at Head Office in Ipswich. A full UK driving licence is essential. You will report directly to the Pre‑Contracts Director and work closely with senior operational, commercial and procurement stakeholders across the business.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will take ownership of complex civil engineering tenders from initial enquiry through to submission, providing leadership, commercial insight and governance throughout the pre‑contracts process. This position will suit an experienced estimator who is comfortable challenging assumptions, managing risk, and presenting commercially robust solutions at tender review stage.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading the preparation and submission of high‑value civil engineering tenders
- Managing and coordinating all tender information across internal teams and external stakeholders
- Developing detailed cost plans, including labour, plant, materials, prelims and overheads
- Engaging with supply chain partners to obtain competitive and compliant quotations
- Establishing tender programmes and managing bid timescales
- Identifying, assessing and advising on commercial and contractual risk
- Contributing to tender strategy, pricing reviews and quality submissions
- Supporting procurement and buying strategies during pre‑contracts stage
- Monitoring tender progress and ensuring alignment with commercial forecasts
- Presenting and clearly communicating tender financials to delivery teams at handover
- Ensuring full compliance with company quality, safety and environmental procedures
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within a main contractor environment
- Strong background delivering tenders for civil engineering projects
- In‑depth knowledge of estimating methodologies and commercial risk management
- Highly competent in cost analysis and spreadsheet‑based estimating tools
- Confident communicator, capable of influencing senior stakeholders
- Commercially astute, detail‑driven and deadline‑focused
- Eligible to work in the UK
Senior Estimator in Chesterfield employer: Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
Contact Detail:
Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Chesterfield
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend civil engineering events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about job openings before they even hit the market.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your previous estimating projects and successes. When you meet potential employers, having tangible evidence of your skills can really set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its recent projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in terms of bid strategy and risk management. This shows you're not just interested in any job, but specifically in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got a range of opportunities that might be perfect for you. Plus, applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates who are just sending in generic applications.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Chesterfield
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 tenders and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
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 your experience with bid strategy and risk assessment, and show us your passion for the industry.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Include specific examples of successful tenders you've led and how you contributed to their success. We love seeing quantifiable results!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Danny Sullivan & Sons Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost analysis and estimating methodologies. Brush up on your knowledge of labour, materials, and overheads. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed complex tenders.
✨Understand the Tender Process
Familiarise yourself with the entire tender process, from initial enquiry to submission. Be prepared to explain how you've led similar processes in the past, including how you coordinated with internal teams and external stakeholders to ensure compliance and quality.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
This role involves assessing and advising on commercial and contractual risks. Think of instances where you've identified potential risks in previous projects and how you mitigated them. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions and present robust solutions during tender reviews.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
As a Senior Estimator, you'll be influencing senior stakeholders. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing tender financials and strategies. Use examples that showcase your communication skills and how they contributed to successful project outcomes.
