At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for major heavy civils and infrastructure projects across the Midlands.
- Company: Top-tier contractor known for delivering high-value infrastructure schemes.
- Benefits: £95,000 salary, vehicle allowance, hybrid working, and career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Clear path to Estimating Management within 12-18 months.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and shape the future of large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in heavy civils, strong measurement skills, and ambition for leadership.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Heavy Civils & Infrastructure
Location: Milton Keynes (Midland’s region)
Salary: £95,000 + vehicle allowance or company vehicle
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 2 days per week remote working
We are recruiting for a Senior Estimator to join a leading heavy civils and infrastructure contractor delivering major, high‑value schemes across the Midlands, with tenders regularly exceeding £50m. Based in Milton Keynes, this role sits within a well‑established pre‑construction team and offers a clear route into Estimating Management within 12–18 months for the right individual. The business is open‑minded on background and is keen to speak with both career estimators and commercially strong professionals looking to transition fully into estimating.
Role Overview
As Senior Estimator, you will play a key role in the pricing and handover of large, complex infrastructure tenders across the Midlands. You will be involved from early ‑ stage pre‑construction through to final submission, working closely with planning, commercial and delivery teams. The role combines hands ‑ on estimating with strategic input and provides exposure to managing work ‑ winning processes at scale. This position is particularly well suited to:
- An Estimator ready to step up, or
- An experienced Senior Estimator professional making a lateral move with a defined progression path into managing estimating.
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing and leading estimates for heavy civils and infrastructure tenders (£50m+)
- Detailed take‑offs and measurements using Candy
- Working with Bluebeam and ACC to coordinate drawings and design information
- Reviewing subcontractor and supplier pricing
- Contributing to bid strategy, risk assessment and value engineering
- Supporting bid settlements and tender handovers
- Working closely with commercial and delivery teams during pre‑construction
About You
This position suits a technically strong individual with an interest in long‑term progression within estimating leadership. A highly experienced Senior QS with strong pre‑construction and estimating exposure, possibly from a dual commercial / estimating role. You will ideally have:
- Strong experience in heavy civils or infrastructure
- Excellent measurement and take‑off capability
- Hands ‑ on experience using Candy (essential)
- Familiarity with Bluebeam and ACC
- Confidence working on large, complex tenders
- The ambition to move into Estimating Management in the near term
What’s on Offer
- Salary of £95,000
- Vehicle allowance or company vehicle
- Hybrid working with 2 days per week remote
- Exposure to major UK infrastructure schemes (£50m+)
Senior Estimator - Heavy Civils/ Infrastructure in Milton Keynes employer: Enable Group
Join a dynamic and expanding utilities contractor in the UK, where you will thrive in a supportive work culture that values flexibility and collaboration. With competitive salaries and a clear path for career advancement, this role as a Project Manager offers you the chance to lead impactful projects while enjoying a balanced work-life environment. Embrace the opportunity to grow within a sector that is essential to communities and make a meaningful difference in the utilities landscape.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator - Heavy Civils/ Infrastructure in Milton Keynes
✨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 Enable Group, 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 - Heavy Civils/ Infrastructure at Enable Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator - Heavy Civils/ Infrastructure in Milton Keynes
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 Enable Group
✨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!