Fawkes & Reece are working with an established civil engineering and groundworks contractor who are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their team based in Brighton and Hove, East Sussex. The business delivers a diverse range of projects across the commercial, residential and infrastructure sectors, including airport facilities, stadium developments, water treatment plants, residential developments and commercial groundworks. With an established client base, long-term contracts and a strong pipeline of upcoming work, this is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator to take ownership of the tendering process and play a key role in securing new projects. The successful candidate will ideally come from a regional civil engineering or groundworks contractor, with hands-on experience pricing a variety of smaller to medium-sized schemes, rather than exclusively working on major infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for managing tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission, preparing accurate and competitive estimates for civil engineering, groundworks, commercial and residential projects. This will involve reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation, assessing labour, plant, material and subcontractor costs, and obtaining competitive quotations in collaboration with the purchasing and management teams. They will also identify project risks, cost-saving opportunities and value engineering solutions, while contributing to tender reviews and adjudications alongside senior management. The role will require close collaboration with internal teams, clients, consultants and subcontractors, as well as supporting the development of existing client relationships and identifying new tender opportunities. Requirements Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within a civil engineering or groundworks contractor. Ideally a background working for a regional or specialist contractor, pricing multiple projects across a variety of sectors. Strong technical understanding of civil engineering construction methods, materials and associated costs. Ability to interpret drawings, specifications and tender documentation. Good commercial awareness, with the ability to identify risks and opportunities within tenders. Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills. Confident communication and negotiation skills, with the ability to build relationships across the supply chain. Proficient in Microsoft Excel and relevant estimating software. A proactive, organised and self-motivated approach, with the ability to manage tenders independently. Willingness to work from the Brighton and Hove office five days per week.The role offers a competitive salary of £75,000 - £100,000 per annum, depending on experience, plus an additional benefits package. This is an excellent opportunity to join an established contractor with a strong pipeline of secured and upcoming work across the commercial, residential and civil engineering sectors. The successful candidate will work closely with an experienced management team, taking ownership of tenders and playing a key role in the continued growth of the business. If you are an experienced Civils Estimator with a background in groundworks or regional civil engineering contracting and are looking for your next opportunity in East Sussex, please apply with your most up-to-date CV or contact Fawkes & Reece for a confidential discussion
Senior Estimator in Brighton employer: Fawkes & Reece London
Join a leading Tier 1 contractor in Central London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and high-energy environment while contributing to impactful projects across various sectors. With a strong focus on employee growth, the company offers competitive salaries, hybrid working options, and comprehensive benefits including private healthcare and opportunities for further qualifications. Experience a vibrant work culture that values collaboration and innovation, making it an excellent place for ambitious professionals looking to make a difference in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Brighton
✨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 Fawkes & Reece London, 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 Fawkes & Reece London.
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 Fawkes & Reece London
✨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!
