At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape the future of civil engineering projects by producing detailed estimates and collaborating with teams.
- Company: Respected regional civil engineering contractor known for quality and employee care.
- Benefits: Salary up to £85,000, car allowance, private healthcare, pension scheme, and hybrid working.
- Why this job: Join a sociable team and work on diverse, impactful projects while enjoying a great work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Strong civil engineering background and proven estimating experience required.
- Other info: Long-term stability with a focus on quality and relationships.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 85000 £ per year.
An established, highly respected regional civil engineering contractor based in Exeter is looking to appoint a Senior Estimator to join a close-knit, sociable and forward-thinking team.
The business delivers diverse, technically interesting civil engineering projects across the South West, typically valued between £1m and £15m. They’re selective about the work they take on, proud of the quality they deliver, and genuinely known for looking after their people.
If you enjoy pricing real engineering from first principles, working collaboratively with delivery teams, and being trusted rather than micromanaged — this one’s for you.
As Senior Estimator, you’ll play a key role in shaping the company’s future workload, pricing and winning projects that are both commercially sound and technically satisfying. You’ll be involved from early enquiry through to submission, working closely with pre-construction, engineering and delivery teams.
What you’ll be doing:
- Producing detailed estimates from first principles
- Pricing works under NEC forms of contract
- Supporting Junior Estimators and helping develop the team
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and scopes to fully understand risk and opportunity
- Working on tenders across water, environmental, infrastructure and structural projects
About You
This role is for someone who knows their trade and enjoys it. You’ll bring:
- A strong civil engineering background
- Proven experience as an Estimator or Senior Estimator within civil engineering
- Confidence pricing work from first principles
- Solid understanding of NEC contracts
- Experience across one or more of: water treatment, pipelines, EA works, rail civils, bridges or structures
- A calm, methodical and commercially aware approach
- The ability to work collaboratively and communicate clearly
What’s In It For You?
This company genuinely backs its people — professionally and personally.
- Salary up to £85,000
- Car allowance
- Private healthcare
- Pension scheme
- Hybrid working – 2 days per week from home
- A sociable, friendly team with regular get-togethers
- Long-term stability with a strong regional pipeline
- A business that values quality, relationships and reputation over volume
Why This Role?
If you’re a Senior Estimator who wants:
- More diverse projects
- Better balance
- Better culture
…without stepping away from proper civil engineering — this is a standout opportunity.
Interested? Apply in confidence to find out more.
Senior Estimator in Devon employer: Girling Jones Ltd
Contact Detail:
Girling Jones Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering world, especially those who might know about opportunities at companies like the one you're eyeing. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to a foot in the door.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of NEC contracts and recent projects in the sector. Being able to discuss these confidently will show you’re not just another candidate but someone who truly understands the field.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your collaborative spirit! During interviews, share examples of how you've worked with delivery teams or mentored junior estimators. This will highlight your ability to fit into their close-knit team.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of their forward-thinking culture.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your civil engineering background and any relevant projects you've worked on, especially those involving NEC contracts.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Use your cover letter to tell us why you're the perfect fit for our team. Share your passion for civil engineering and how you enjoy working collaboratively. Don’t forget to mention your experience with pricing from first principles!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We love a good team player! In your application, emphasise your ability to support and develop others, especially Junior Estimators. Let us know how you’ve contributed to team success in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: For the best chance of getting noticed, make sure to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to see your application and get you into our close-knit, sociable team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Girling Jones Ltd
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to produce detailed estimates from first principles. Brush up on your pricing strategies and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've tackled similar projects in the past.
✨Understand NEC Contracts
Make sure you have a solid understanding of NEC forms of contract. Be prepared to explain how you've applied these contracts in your previous roles and how they impact your estimating process.
✨Showcase Team Collaboration
This role involves working closely with pre-construction, engineering, and delivery teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with others to achieve project goals and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
✨Highlight Your Calm Approach
The company values a calm, methodical approach. Prepare to discuss how you handle pressure and make decisions when faced with tight deadlines or complex projects. This will show that you're not just technically skilled but also a great fit for their team culture.