At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead tender preparation and manage estimating teams 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 opportunities.
- Other info: Supportive work environment with clear pathways for professional growth.
- 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.
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.
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:
- 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:
- 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.
Estimator in Derby employer: Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited
As a Senior Finance Manager in our well-established machinery sector company, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that values your expertise and contributions. We offer a competitive salary of up to £55,000, alongside a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to work closely with senior leadership, ensuring your role is both impactful and rewarding. With a focus on employee growth and autonomy, this position provides a unique opportunity to influence financial and operational decision-making within a dynamic SME setting.
Contact Details:
Hays Specialist Recruitment Limited Recruitment Team
