At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive cost estimates for major civil engineering projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Join JN Bentley, a leading UK engineering firm with a strong focus on infrastructure.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, tailored development, and flexible benefits to suit your lifestyle.
- Other info: Be part of a supportive team that invests in your growth and career progression.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on critical infrastructure projects and see your work come to life.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or a strong civil engineering background; commercial awareness is key.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
JN Bentley is a leading UK engineering and construction company delivering critical infrastructure across the water, environmental and energy sectors through long‑term, collaborative frameworks. As part of the Mott MacDonald Group, we provide clients with fully integrated design and build services across England, Wales and Scotland. With an annual turnover exceeding £600m and a strong, growing order book, we offer long‑term career opportunities within a stable and forward‑looking business.
We are seeking a Senior Estimator to join our high‑performing Bidding and Estimating team and play a pivotal role in shaping how major infrastructure projects are secured and delivered. Based from our Newport office, you will work at the front end of projects - collaborating closely with design, commercial and operational teams to develop smart, competitive and deliverable cost‑effective solutions. The role offers exposure to a diverse portfolio of civil engineering schemes across England, Wales and Scotland, ranging from early‑stage feasibility work and smaller value projects to high value complex, multi‑disciplinary schemes. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence project outcomes, add real value, and see your work translate directly into successful delivery on site.
Who We’re Looking For
We are keen to hear from an experienced Senior Estimator. We would also consider applications from civil engineering professionals who are looking to transition into estimating; for example, Quantity Surveyors, Planners, Engineers and experienced site‑based professionals from the water, environmental and energy sectors. If you bring strong technical knowledge, commercial awareness and a clear understanding of how projects are built, we will support you with structured training, mentoring and development to succeed in an estimating role.
The Role Will Involve
- Preparing accurate, well‑structured and commercially sound first principle cost estimates for civil engineering and infrastructure projects;
- Working collaboratively with design, commercial, and operational teams to develop robust and competitive tenders;
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and scopes to identify risk, opportunity and value engineering solutions;
- Engaging proactively with the supply chain to secure quotations and inform buildable, market‑tested pricing;
- Supporting bid submissions, reviews and tender clarification meetings;
- Applying consistent estimating standards, systems and governance across all bids.
What You’ll Bring
- Experience in estimating or a strong civil engineering background within a construction or infrastructure environment;
- Commercial awareness and high attention to detail;
- A working understanding of NEC forms of contract and procurement processes;
- The ability to analyse complex information and communicate it clearly and confidently;
- A collaborative mindset and a desire to learn, develop and contribute to a high‑performing team.
What We Offer
In return, you’ll join a supportive and ambitious business that invests heavily in its people. Alongside a competitive reward package, we offer tailored development and progression aligned to your career goals, backed by the scale and opportunity of the Mott MacDonald Group. Our flexible benefits package allows you to personalise your financial, lifestyle, health and wellbeing benefits to suit what matters most to you.
Senior Estimator in Newport employer: JN Bentley
At JN Bentley, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Based in Newport, our team enjoys the benefits of working within a stable, forward-looking company that prioritises employee growth through structured training and tailored development opportunities. With a diverse portfolio of projects across the UK, our employees have the chance to make a real impact while enjoying a competitive rewards package and flexible benefits tailored to their individual needs.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Newport
✨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 JN Bentley, 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 JN Bentley.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Newport
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 JN Bentley
✨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!
