Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering Location: Greater Manchester Salary: Up to £90,000 Package: 10% car allowance, company bonus, private healthcare and 24 days’ holiday plus bank holidays Employment: Permanent, full-time J3A Recruitment is supporting a well-established civil engineering and infrastructure contractor in the appointment of an experienced Senior Estimator. Operating across the North West, the business delivers essential projects within utilities, highways, wastewater and major infrastructure. With a strong pipeline of work secured through long-term frameworks and strategic client partnerships, this is an excellent opportunity to join a growing and highly regarded pre-construction team. The Role As Senior Estimator, you will take responsibility for preparing competitive and commercially robust tenders across a varied portfolio of civil engineering projects. Working closely with the commercial, operational and bid teams, you will assess tender requirements, develop accurate first-principles estimates and help create winning tender strategies. Key responsibilities for Senior Estimator * Preparing detailed estimates and cost plans from first principles * Reviewing tender documentation, drawings and specifications * Completing quantity take-offs and assessing project scope * Identifying commercial risks, opportunities and value-engineering solutions * Managing subcontractor and supplier enquiries * Analysing quotations and negotiating with the supply chain * Assessing construction methodologies, resources and programme requirements * Producing accurate, high-quality tender submissions * Participating in tender reviews and project handovers * Maintaining pricing databases and benchmarking information * Supporting continuous improvement across the estimating function About You We are looking for an experienced civil engineering Estimator / Senior Estimator with strong technical knowledge, sound commercial judgement and the ability to manage complex tenders within challenging deadlines. Ideally, you will have: * At least five years’ estimating experience within civil engineering * A minimum of five years’ previous site-based civil engineering experience * An HNC, HND or equivalent qualification in Civil Engineering or a related discipline * Experience pricing infrastructure, highways, utilities, wastewater or reinforced concrete projects * Strong first-principles estimating capability * Experience using estimating software such as Valesco, Causeway, Conquest or Candy * A good understanding of CESMM, HMM/HWMM and SMM7 * Working knowledge of NEC contracts * Strong commercial, analytical and supply-chain management skills Experience working within framework environments or pricing projects for utilities, local authorities or aviation clients would be beneficial. What’s on Offer * Salary of up to £90,000 * 10% car allowance * Company bonus scheme * Private healthcare * 24 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays * Professional development and accredited training * Genuine opportunities for career progression * A strong pipeline of major infrastructure projects across the North West If you are an experienced Senior Estimator looking to join a successful and expanding civil engineering contractor, apply today or contact J3A Recruitment for a confidential discussion
Senior Estimator in Manchester employer: J3A Recruitment
Join one of the UK’s largest and most established construction and infrastructure groups, where you will benefit from outstanding stability and structured career development. Based in Warrington, this role offers exposure to major Critical National Infrastructure projects, a comprehensive benefits package, and opportunities for leadership development and long-term progression in a supportive work culture that values safety and client relationships.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Manchester
✨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 J3A 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 Senior Estimator at J3A Recruitment.
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 J3A 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!
