At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the estimating team to prepare competitive tenders for highways and infrastructure projects.
- Company: A growing contractor focused on safe, high-quality civil engineering and surfacing projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a chance to work on impactful projects.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with opportunities for career advancement and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in securing new business opportunities.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for highways and civil engineering; degree in related field preferred.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Our client is a contractor providing safe, high quality surfacing, civil engineering and infrastructure projects to local authorities and tier contractors throughout the UK on a range of frameworks and projects. Given the company's growth trajectory, they are looking to recruit in a number of positions including their estimating team where they require a Senior Estimator from a surfacing/highways background.
The Senior Estimator will be responsible for the preparation, coordination, and submission of accurate and competitive tenders for highways and infrastructure construction projects. This includes major roadworks, surfacing, civil engineering, and associated works. They will play a key role in securing new business by ensuring tenders are commercially sound, technically compliant, and aligned with company objectives, while maintaining high standards of quality, safety, and environmental consideration.
The Senior Estimator will lead and manage the estimating function, ensuring effective coordination of the estimating team and continuous improvement of estimating processes. The Senior Estimator will work closely with the Commercial, Operational, and Planning teams to ensure a robust and competitive bid submission.
- Review tender documentation, drawings, and specifications to fully understand project requirements.
- Prepare detailed cost estimates for highways and infrastructure works including labour, plant, materials, and subcontractors.
- Manage the full tender process from initial enquiry through to submission and post-tender negotiations.
- Identify risks and opportunities within tender documents and incorporate into pricing strategy.
- Obtain and analyse subcontractor and supplier quotations to ensure best value.
- Liaise with internal departments (Operations, Planning, Commercial) to develop accurate and competitive submissions.
- Prepare tender adjudication documents and present to senior management for approval.
- Ensure all estimates comply with company procedures and commercial governance.
- Attend pre- and post-tender meetings with clients and stakeholders.
- Maintain a strong understanding of market conditions, pricing trends, and competitor activity.
- Support business development activities and contribute to bid strategy.
- Assist in the handover of successful tenders to delivery teams.
Knowledge/Education/Skills
- Extensive experience in estimating within highways and infrastructure construction.
- Strong knowledge of roadworks, surfacing, and civil engineering practices.
- Understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g., NEC, ICE).
- Excellent commercial awareness and cost analysis skills.
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications.
- Proficient in estimating software and Microsoft Office applications.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and work to strict deadlines.
- Analytical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Qualifications Required
- Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or related field (desirable).
- Ongoing professional development in estimating and commercial practices.
Senior Estimator in Carlisle employer: Enable
Our client is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation within the estimating team. With a strong commitment to employee growth, they provide ongoing professional development opportunities and encourage a culture of continuous improvement. Located in the UK, the company is dedicated to delivering high-quality infrastructure projects while prioritising safety and environmental considerations, making it an ideal place for professionals seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Carlisle
✨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, 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 Enable.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Carlisle
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
✨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!
