Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies 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 without micromanagement.
- Qualifications: Strong civil engineering background and proven estimating experience required.
- Other info: Enjoy long-term stability and a culture that values relationships over volume.
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 employer: GirlingJones
Contact Detail:
GirlingJones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering field, attend industry events, and join relevant online forums. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent work, especially in areas like water treatment or rail civils. This will help you tailor your answers and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pricing skills! Since this role involves producing detailed estimates from first principles, brush up on your techniques. You could even simulate estimating a project to showcase your thought process during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience mentioned in the job description. 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 the Senior Estimator role. Share specific examples of your estimating experience and how you’ve successfully collaborated with teams in the past.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Don’t forget to mention your ability to produce detailed estimates from first principles. We want to see your confidence in pricing work and understanding of risks and opportunities in civil engineering projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to join our sociable team!
How to prepare for a job interview at GirlingJones
✨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 how you approach estimating for different types of projects, especially under NEC contracts.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be prepared to share specific examples from your past roles that highlight your experience in civil engineering. Discuss projects you've worked on, particularly those involving water treatment, pipelines, or rail civils, and how your contributions led to successful outcomes.
✨Collaborative Spirit
This role emphasises teamwork, so be ready to talk about how you’ve worked collaboratively with delivery teams and junior estimators. Highlight instances where your communication skills helped bridge gaps between departments and led to better project results.
✨Understand the Company Culture
Research the company’s values and culture before the interview. They pride themselves on looking after their people and delivering quality work. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs and how you can contribute to their close-knit team.