At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tender preparation and manage estimating team for exciting civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join a family-owned civil engineering contractor with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, health insurance, and continuous training.
- Other info: Supportive environment with clear pathways for professional development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while advancing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Your new company
You will be joining a well-established, family-owned civil engineering contractor with over four decades of experience delivering high-quality civil engineering, infrastructure and environmental projects across the UK. The business works with a diverse client base that includes major infrastructure organisations, local authorities and blue-chip companies, delivering projects valued up to £5m. This is an exciting opportunity to join a growing organisation where your expertise will directly influence project selection, tender strategy and future business success. This is a full-time permanent position based out of their Derby office.
Your new role
As Senior Estimator, you will play a pivotal role within the pre-contract team, taking ownership of tenders from initial enquiry through to final submission. Working closely with business development, bid management, operational teams and the supply chain, you will be responsible for preparing accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders across a diverse portfolio of civil engineering projects.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Leading the preparation of detailed estimates and tender submissions for civil engineering projects
- Managing, mentoring and supporting the estimating team, including tender allocation and workload planning
- Reviewing drawings, specifications, scopes of work and contract documentation
- Producing detailed quantity take-offs, cost plans and first-principles estimates
- Developing labour, plant, material and subcontractor pricing models
- Identifying commercial, contractual and construction risks within tender opportunities
- Developing value engineering solutions and alternative construction methodologies
- Preparing tender reports and presenting recommendations to senior management
- Supporting post-tender negotiations, clarification meetings and project handovers
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and subcontractors.
What you'll need to succeed
To be successful in this role, you must have:
- Proven experience estimating within civil engineering, ideally gained within a main contractor or specialist civil engineering environment
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify risks and opportunities
- Ability to estimate from first principles
- Sound analytical, organisational and problem-solving skills
- Confidence in managing multiple tenders and deadlines
- Full UK driving licence.
What you'll get in return
In return, you will receive:
- Starting salary commensurate with experience
- Company car or car allowance
- Annual leave entitlement
- Company pension
- Bonus scheme
- Private health insurance
- Multiple health and wellbeing benefits
- Continuous training and development
- Clear pathways for professional development and career progression
- Exposure to a variety of high-profile and rewarding projects
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Opportunity to advance your career with an employee-first, growing contractor and more.
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call us now. If this job isn't quite right for you, but you are looking for a new position, please contact us for a confidential discussion about your career.
Please note: applicants must hold existing UK work authorisation; visa sponsorship cannot be provided for this position.
Senior Estimator in Derby employer: Hays Construction and Property
The London Borough of Ealing is an exceptional employer, recognised for its outstanding planning services and commitment to employee stability and collaboration. With a platinum rating from Planning Magazine, the council fosters a supportive work culture that prioritises professional growth and development, offering unique opportunities to engage with high-profile projects like the Heathrow Development Consent Order programme. Joining this team means being part of a dedicated group that values quality service and impactful community engagement.
Contact Details:
Hays Construction and Property Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Derby
✨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 Hays Construction and Property, 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 Hays Construction and Property.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Derby
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 Hays Construction and Property
✨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!
