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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major tenders and shape winning strategies in water infrastructure.
- Company: Top UK civil engineering contractor with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, long-term projects, and strong career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on significant infrastructure projects while mentoring others.
- Qualifications: Engineering background and experience in civil engineering or water infrastructure.
- 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 - Water Infrastructure in Manchester 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 - Water Infrastructure in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in their work, especially in water infrastructure and civil engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Estimator. Highlight your successes in managing tenders and mentoring teams to demonstrate your leadership skills.
✨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 are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator - Water Infrastructure in Manchester
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 water infrastructure, and don’t forget to showcase any major tenders you've successfully delivered.
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 projects or experiences that align with the job description and show us your passion for the industry.
Showcase Your Skills: We want to see your strong IT skills and numeracy in action! If you’ve used estimating software or Excel in previous roles, make sure to mention it. Give us examples of how these skills have helped you in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
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 strong numeracy skills. Brush up on your estimating software and Excel capabilities before the interview. Be prepared to discuss specific examples of tenders you've worked on, especially those valued at £50m or more.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
You'll be managing and mentoring estimators, so it's crucial to highlight your leadership experience. Think of instances where you've led a team or influenced a project positively. Share how you approach mentoring and developing others in the estimating field.
✨Understand the Tender Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire tender process from preparation to contract award. Be ready to discuss how you identify risks and opportunities during this lifecycle. This will show that you have a comprehensive understanding of what it takes to secure high-value work.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since you'll be working closely with bid managers, planners, and delivery teams, it's important to convey your confidence in engaging with senior stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with different teams to achieve a common goal in past projects.
