Estimator in Suffolk

Estimator in Suffolk

Suffolk Full-Time No working from home possible
Dragados UK & Ireland

Job Summary:

As an Estimator at Dragados, you will be responsible for preparing detailed and accurate cost estimates for direct work packages and indirect costs (preliminaries) on major infrastructure and construction projects. You will play a key role in the commercial submission process by developing pricing models, coordinating with internal teams and supply chain partners, and ensuring that construction methodology, project constraints, opportunities, and risk elements are accurately reflected within the overall estimate.

This opportunity is supporting the West Suffolk Hospital project, a major healthcare development. Candidates can be based locally to the project or in London, with flexibility to work across both locations where required.

The successful candidate will have proven estimating experience within the healthcare sector, with a strong understanding of hospital and healthcare construction projects. Experience working on large-scale, complex projects, excellent commercial acumen, and the ability to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams are essential.


Key Responsibilities:

  • Support the business development function by assisting with bids and preparing competitive, accurate estimates.
  • Collaborate closely with technical, planning, and construction teams to develop detailed cost estimates for work packages and associated preliminaries.
  • Provide cost input into developing construction methodology, temporary works, resource planning, and logistics.
  • Liaise with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain and validate quotes, unit rates, and proposed construction methodologies.
  • Coordinate and align estimates with other estimators across the business.
  • Contribute to project risk assessments by evaluating and estimating the cost implications of identified risks.
  • Monitor and update budgets as the design evolves to ensure cost alignment and value.
  • Support the evaluation and costing of changes during the bid stage.
  • Maintain and update the company’s internal cost databases, market intelligence, and performance benchmarks between tender cycles.


Technical Skills and Competencies:

  • Strong understanding of estimating techniques and construction methodology.
  • High degree of proficiency in first principles estimating techniques.
  • Proficient in CCS (Candy Construction Software) for estimating.
  • Skilled in both top-down and bottom-up estimating approaches.
  • Knowledge of BIM-based cost models and risk tools such as QRA.
  • Advanced Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, pivot tables, and data analysis tools.
  • Strong ability to compile take-off measurements to a high degree of accuracy.
  • Strong numerical, analytical, and data interpretation skills.
  • High attention to detail with the ability to work accurately under pressure.
  • Collaborative team player with excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
  • Strong presentation skills, with the ability to communicate complex information to diverse audiences in the most simplistic format.
  • Self-starter with strong initiative and the ability to work independently.
  • Highly self-motivated, with a proactive and solution-focused mindset.
  • Resilient and adaptable when working to tight deadlines.


Qualifications, Certifications and Experience:

  • Relevant experience in estimating roles with a main contractor or Tier 2 contractor.
  • Experience working on large-scale infrastructure projects 50m to Billions
  • In-depth understanding of construction techniques and their implications on cost.
  • Expertise in using CCS (Candy Construction Software)


Dragados Values:

  • Excellence: Promoting innovation, development, training and continuous improvement to achieve the highest quality of project delivery.
  • Integrity: Acting ethically and transparently. Demanding the best standards of integrity from its employees, suppliers and other stakeholders.
  • Trust: Nurturing positive relationships at all levels of the organisation, with our clients and supply chain by developing strong and long-term relationships based on mutual trust.
  • Sustainability: Commitment to sustainable development to make an efficient and ethically responsible contribution to society and the environment.
  • Profitability: Ensuring our profitability as well as contributing value to the communities in which we operate as part of our sustainability agenda.


Dragados is committed to act based on Equality, Diversity and Inclusion principles. Equal opportunities, non-discrimination and respect for human rights are basic principles contained in the Dragados Code of Conduct (https://www.dragados.co.uk/html/compliance.html) that apply to all Dragados employees.

Estimator in Suffolk employer: Dragados UK & Ireland

At Dragados, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, particularly for the Senior Health, Safety & Wellbeing Manager role within the IERRT project. Our commitment to excellence, integrity, and sustainability fosters a dynamic work culture where employees are encouraged to innovate and grow professionally. With a focus on continuous improvement and a strong emphasis on health and safety, we provide our team with the tools and support needed to thrive in a collaborative environment, ensuring meaningful contributions to both the project and the community.

Dragados UK & Ireland

Contact Details:

Dragados UK & Ireland Recruitment Team