At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead competitive tenders for major civil infrastructure projects and manage the estimating process.
- Company: Established civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation in the UK and Irish markets.
- Benefits: Competitive salary of £100,000, company vehicle, accommodation, and career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join a pivotal role in a growing company and make a meaningful impact on major projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for civil infrastructure and strong leadership skills required.
- Other info: Full visa sponsorship available for EU citizens; dynamic and collaborative working environment.
The predicted salary is between 100000 - 100000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established civil engineering contractor with a strong and growing presence across the UK and Irish infrastructure markets. Operating as a Tier 2 contractor, they have built a reputation over many years for delivering technically complex, high-value civil programmes with a consistent focus on quality, safety, and commercial performance. The business is particularly recognised for its expertise in highways and road infrastructure, having successfully delivered a sustained pipeline of major schemes across both markets. Their long-standing relationships with key framework clients and public sector bodies reflect the trust they have earned through repeated delivery at scale and programme complexity.
With a strong order book and continued investment in both people and capability, the company is in an excellent position for continued growth. Senior hires are being made across pre-construction and commercial functions to strengthen the foundations for this next phase — creating a genuine opportunity for experienced professionals to join at a pivotal moment and make a meaningful impact. This is a business that values its people and invests in their development. There is a clear and structured approach to career progression, and leaders within the organisation are given the autonomy, resources, and support they need to perform at the highest level.
WORKING ENVIRONMENT & PROJECTS
You will be joining the pre‑construction function of a business operating at the upper end of the civil infrastructure sector, working on major highways schemes and road programmes that require sophisticated estimating capability and strong commercial judgement. Projects range up to £250m in value, covering both competitive tender and framework delivery routes. The estimating team plays a central role in the business — sitting at the interface between business development, commercial management, and operational delivery. You will work closely with senior leadership, project directors, and commercial teams to produce high‑quality bids that are both technically credible and commercially competitive. Based in Glasgow, you will be well‑placed to support the firm’s activity across Scotland and the broader UK and Irish markets. The role offers a broad remit and genuine influence over how the estimating function develops, with scope to build and shape a team around you as the pipeline grows. The working environment is professional, collaborative, and delivery‑focused. There is a strong sense of shared purpose within the pre‑construction team, and a real appetite from leadership to invest in the tools, processes, and people needed to win and deliver work at the highest level.
RESPONSIBILITIES
- Lead the preparation and submission of competitive tenders for major civil infrastructure schemes, including highways and road programmes up to £250m.
- Manage the full estimating process from initial enquiry and risk review through to tender submission and post‑tender negotiation.
- Oversee and develop the estimating team, ensuring consistent standards of quality, accuracy, and commercial rigour across all submissions.
- Collaborate closely with pre‑construction, commercial, and operational teams to ensure estimates are buildable, well‑reasoned, and aligned with delivery strategy.
- Review and assess subcontractor and supplier pricing, developing strong market relationships to support competitive submissions.
- Contribute to bid strategy, win/loss reviews, and continuous improvement of the estimating function.
- Support senior leadership with cost planning, feasibility assessments, and early‑stage commercial advice on prospective schemes.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of market rates, ground conditions, and sector pricing trends relevant to civil infrastructure delivery.
WHAT YOU NEED
- Proven experience as an Estimating Manager or Senior Estimator within a civils or highways contractor environment.
- Strong track record of leading tenders on major civil infrastructure schemes, ideally including highways, roads, or earthworks programmes.
- Solid understanding of civil construction methodology, procurement routes, and commercial risk assessment.
- Experience managing or mentoring an estimating team, with the ability to develop people and drive quality across a function.
- Proficiency with industry‑standard estimating software (Candy, Conquest, or similar) and confident use of Excel for cost modelling.
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills — comfortable presenting and defending commercial positions to clients and senior leadership.
- Degree or HND qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related discipline; candidates with equivalent experience will also be considered.
WHAT YOU'LL GET IN RETURN
This role comes with a base salary of £100,000, supplemented by a company vehicle and fully funded accommodation — making it an exceptionally well‑rounded package for the right candidate. You will be joining a business with a strong and growing pipeline of work, with genuine scope to progress into a senior leadership role as the function expands. EU citizens are actively encouraged to apply; the business provides full visa sponsorship and comprehensive immigration support to ensure the transition is as straightforward as possible.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for this role, please send an up‑to‑date CV via the Apply Now button. For a confidential discussion, you can also contact Patrick McGrath on +353 1270 9454 / +44 7535 290168 or email patrick@gedonexecutive.com.
Estimating Manager in Glasgow employer: GEDON™ | Commercial & Executive Search for the Built Environment
Contact Detail:
GEDON™ | Commercial & Executive Search for the Built Environment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimating Manager in Glasgow
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering sector, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies like our client. A personal recommendation can make all the difference.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your estimating skills and understanding of civil construction methodologies. Be ready to discuss your past projects and how you’ve led successful tenders — this is your chance to shine!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership abilities! If you've managed or mentored teams before, be sure to highlight this experience. Companies love candidates who can develop others and drive quality across functions.
✨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 here to support you every step of the way in landing that Estimating Manager role.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimating Manager in Glasgow
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Estimating Manager role. Highlight your previous work in civil infrastructure, especially any major tenders you've led. We want to see how you can bring your expertise to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in estimating and how they align with our focus on quality and commercial performance.
Showcase Your Team Leadership Skills: Since this role involves managing an estimating team, be sure to mention your experience in mentoring and developing others. We value strong leadership, so let us know how you've driven quality and collaboration in your past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly 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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at GEDON™ | Commercial & Executive Search for the Built Environment
✨Know Your Numbers
As an Estimating Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a solid grasp of cost modelling and pricing trends. Brush up on your knowledge of market rates and be ready to discuss how you’ve successfully managed tenders in the past. This will show that you’re not just familiar with the numbers, but that you can also apply them effectively.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves overseeing an estimating team, be prepared to talk about your experience in managing or mentoring others. Share specific examples of how you've developed team members and driven quality across submissions. This will highlight your ability to lead and inspire others in a collaborative environment.
✨Understand the Business Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the company’s recent projects and their approach to civil infrastructure. Being able to discuss their work in highways and road programmes will show that you’re genuinely interested in the role and understand the challenges they face. It’s all about aligning your expertise with their needs.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect to face questions about civil construction methodologies and procurement routes. Review your technical knowledge and be ready to explain how you assess commercial risks. This will demonstrate your depth of understanding and reassure the interviewers that you can handle the complexities of major schemes.