At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders and detailed cost estimates for civil engineering projects.
- Company: Established civil engineering contractor with a strong UK presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and hands-on project involvement.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on diverse projects across the UK.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on exciting infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating within civil engineering and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
- 17th August, 2026
- Estimator – Civil Engineering & Groundworks
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Estimator to join a well-established civil engineering contractor delivering projects across the UK.
The position will sit within the Pre-Construction & Commercial team, with a combination of office-based working and involvement across projects nationally.
This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with a strong background in civil engineering, groundworks or infrastructure who is confident reviewing tender information, producing detailed cost estimates and identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
The Role
As Estimator, you will be responsible for supporting the preparation and submission of competitive tenders, developing detailed pricing from first principles and ensuring that labour, plant, materials, subcontractor costs and commercial risks are accurately considered.
Working closely with the wider pre-construction, commercial and operational teams, you will help ensure tenders are commercially robust, deliverable and aligned with project requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Review tender documentation, drawings, specifications and Bills of Quantities to understand project scope and requirements.
- Prepare detailed and accurate cost estimates for civil engineering and groundworks projects.
- Produce pricing build-ups using labour, plant, material rates, subcontractor quotations and measured quantities.
- Undertake quantity take-offs and measurement from drawings and tender information.
- Prepare and review Bills of Quantities, Schedules of Rates and Activity Schedules using appropriate methods of measurement.
- Obtain and analyse quotations from subcontractors and suppliers.
- Prepare tender comparisons and recommendations, ensuring scope, programme and commercial risks are fully considered.
- Identify tender risks, opportunities, exclusions, qualifications and potential value-engineering solutions.
- Review contract conditions and identify potentially onerous commercial terms, with particular consideration given to NEC, JCT and bespoke contract amendments.
- Work closely with operational teams to establish appropriate construction methodologies, resources and programme requirements.
- Assess labour, plant, equipment, materials and subcontract requirements when developing tender pricing.
- Support tender adjudications and provide clear commercial information to assist with bid decisions.
- Assist with tender clarifications, negotiations and post-tender enquiries.
- Support the handover of successful tenders to the commercial and operational teams, ensuring key assumptions, risks and opportunities are clearly communicated.
- Maintain accurate estimating information, including rates, supplier and subcontractor pricing and lessons learned from previous projects.
Skills & Experience The ideal candidate will have
- Previous experience working as an Estimator within civil engineering, groundworks or infrastructure.
- A strong understanding of construction methods, sequencing, labour, plant and materials.
- Experience producing detailed estimates and pricing build-ups from tender documentation.
- Good knowledge of supply chain procurement and subcontractor pricing.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to identify tender risks and opportunities.
- An understanding of NEC and JCT contracts would be advantageous.
- Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.
- Good communication and negotiation skills.
- Strong IT skills, including Excel and relevant estimating/commercial systems.
- A full UK driving licence.
Qualifications
A HND, degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction or another relevant discipline would be beneficial.
Relevant industry experience will also be considered.
Professional membership or progression towards an appropriate professional qualification would be advantageous.
Desirable Sector Experience
Previous estimating experience within aviation/airfields, highways or wider infrastructure would be particularly beneficial.
Experience pricing projects delivered through frameworks or within live operational environments, including airside, live traffic and secure sites, would also be advantageous.
This is a strong opportunity for an Estimator looking to join an established contractor and play an important role in securing and delivering technically interesting civil engineering, groundworks and infrastructure projects across the UK.
Estimator in Kent employer: Hill McGlynn Recruitment
Join a well-established construction company in Whitstable that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With competitive pay and ample career development opportunities, you will thrive in an environment that prioritises support and teamwork, making it an excellent choice for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator in Kent
✨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 Hill McGlynn Recruitment, 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 Estimator at Hill McGlynn Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator in Kent
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 Hill McGlynn Recruitment
✨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!
