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- Tasks: Lead the pricing and planning of civil engineering tenders for major projects.
- Company: Leading civil engineering firm shaping infrastructure in the Northwest.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, hybrid working, and generous pension contributions.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects and develop your career in a collaborative environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong analytical skills required.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for professional growth and exciting projects.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering
Permanent role – Preston (Hybrid)
Competitive Salary plus benefits
We are currently working with a Civil Engineering business who are leaders in their field, involved in Projects across the Northwest. They are looking for a commercially astute Senior Estimator to join their Preconstruction team.
You\’ll work closely with internal design, delivery, and commercial teams, as well as liaise with the supply chain, to ensure competitive and technically robust submissions. Your ability to identify risks, spot opportunities, and develop alternative construction strategies will be key to our continued success.
Key Responsibilities
- Price civil engineering activities (e.g., earthworks, drainage, ducting, paving) from first principles, including labour, plant, and materials.
- Develop construction programmes and sequences.
- Identify win themes and drive the overall bid process across multiple contributors.
- Challenge proposed methodologies to explore alternative, cost-effective solutions.
- Compile detailed and accurate net cost estimates, including prelims and subcontract packages.
- Prepare and issue subcontract enquiries, liaising with supply chain and analysing returns.
- Present estimates at internal adjudications and adjust as required.
- Ensure timely submission of tenders, fully meeting client specifications and requirements.
- Provide commercial input and strategic insights to improve bid competitiveness.
- Review project appraisals and contribute lessons learned post-contract.
What We’re Looking For
- Strong background in civil engineering sector with demonstrable experience in estimating and tendering.
- Ability to build up cost estimates from first principles.
- Knowledge of various civil disciplines including drainage, earthworks, utilities, and hard landscaping.
- Familiarity with tendering processes, construction sequencing, and programme development.
- Proficiency in estimating tools and scheduling software.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen commercial mindset.
- Excellent communication and coordination abilities, both written and verbal.
- Confidence to challenge methodologies and propose alternative approaches.
What you will get in return
As a valued member of our preconstruction team, you’ll have the opportunity to influence the success of high-profile civil engineering projects from day one.
On offer is a collaborative work culture, professional development opportunities, and a strong pipeline of varied and exciting schemes.
In return for your hard work, you will receive a competitive salary, car allowance and great benefits including a generous pension contribution and hybrid working.
Senior Estimator employer: First Recruitment Group
Contact Detail:
First Recruitment Group Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Estimator role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and their recent projects. We want to see you shine when discussing how your skills in estimating and tendering can contribute to their success in civil engineering.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in building cost estimates from first principles and how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles. We love hearing about your problem-solving skills!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we’re always looking for talented individuals like you to join our preconstruction team.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering, estimating, and tendering. We want to see how your skills match what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for our team. Mention specific projects or experiences that showcase your analytical and problem-solving skills.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your proficiency with estimating tools and scheduling software like ASTA Powerproject. We love seeing candidates who can hit the ground running with the right tech skills!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at First Recruitment Group
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to build cost estimates from first principles. Brush up on your knowledge of civil engineering activities like earthworks and drainage, and be ready to discuss how you approach pricing these elements during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Analytical Skills
Prepare to highlight your analytical and problem-solving skills. Think of specific examples where you've identified risks or opportunities in past projects. This will show that you can contribute valuable insights to the bid process.
✨Familiarise with ASTA Powerproject
If you have experience with ASTA Powerproject, make sure to mention it! If not, do a bit of research on it before the interview. Understanding construction programmes and sequences will be crucial for this role, and showing initiative will impress the interviewers.
✨Communicate Clearly
Excellent communication is key in this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing methodologies and alternative approaches. Being able to present your estimates effectively will set you apart from other candidates.
