Senior Estimator – Rail Infrastructure
Salary: £75,000 – £85,000 + car allowance
Location: UK Wide
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
Sector: Rail
The Opportunity:
We are recruiting an experienced Senior Estimator to join a growing rail infrastructure business, playing a key role in pricing and securing major infrastructure projects across the rail sector.
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced estimator with a strong background in rail or major infrastructure to take ownership of complex tenders, develop competitive cost estimates and support business growth.
Working closely with the Pre-Contracts, Commercial and Bidding teams, you will help develop estimating strategies, manage commercial risks and ensure tender submissions are accurate, competitive and commercially robust.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prepare detailed cost estimates, budgets and tender submissions for rail infrastructure projects.
- Produce first-principles estimates using engineering drawings, specifications and project requirements.
- Estimate costs across track, civil engineering, stations, signalling and associated infrastructure works.
- Collaborate with commercial, engineering and project delivery teams to develop competitive bids.
- Obtain and evaluate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Identify commercial risks, opportunities, exclusions and potential cost savings.
- Support value engineering and risk assessments to improve project profitability.
- Present estimates, cost breakdowns and recommendations to senior management.
- Ensure estimates are accurate, fully documented and compliant with company procedures.
- Manage tender handovers to delivery teams, clearly communicating assumptions, risks and pricing.
- Maintain estimating databases, cost benchmarks and productivity information.
- Mentor junior estimators and contribute to continuous improvement across the estimating function.
The Ideal Candidate:
- At least 8–10 years' estimating experience, including significant experience within rail or major infrastructure.
- Proven experience producing detailed, first-principles estimates for complex infrastructure projects.
- Knowledge of rail infrastructure disciplines, including track, civils, stations and associated systems.
- Strong understanding of Network Rail standards and project delivery frameworks, including GRIP or PACE.
- Experience using estimating software such as Candy, CostX, CATO, Causeway or similar.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel skills and strong analytical abilities.
- Commercial awareness and knowledge of NEC, Network Rail and other relevant contract forms.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
- A degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management or a related discipline.
Desirable:
- Experience with rail frameworks, alliance bids or major infrastructure tenders.
- Membership of, or working towards membership of, a relevant professional body.
- Knowledge of cost risk analysis, value engineering and estimating systems.
- Familiarity with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 management systems.
What's on Offer?
- £75,000 – £85,000 salary, depending on experience.
- Additional car allowance.
- Opportunity to work on major rail infrastructure projects.
- A senior position with influence over tender strategy and commercial decisions.
- Opportunity to contribute to business growth and continuous improvement.
- A collaborative environment working alongside experienced commercial and technical professionals.
How to Apply
If you are an experienced Senior Estimator with a background in rail or infrastructure and are looking for your next career move, apply today with your CV to be considered for this opportunity.
Senior Estimator in Manchester employer: Elate Staffing Solutions Ltd Careers
As a Night Shift Supervisor in Rotherham, you will join a dynamic and supportive work culture that prioritises employee development and safety. With a competitive salary and shift allowance, this role offers the chance to lead a dedicated team while driving meaningful improvements in production and quality. The company fosters an environment where your leadership skills can flourish, providing ample opportunities for personal and professional growth.
Contact Details:
Elate Staffing Solutions Ltd Careers Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Manchester
✨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 Elate Staffing Solutions Ltd Careers, 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 Elate Staffing Solutions Ltd Careers.
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 Elate Staffing Solutions Ltd Careers
✨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!
