At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the preparation of complex rail tenders and develop winning bid strategies.
- Company: Join Kilnbridge, a leading structures specialist in the UK.
- Benefits: Employee-owned culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace with a commitment to diversity and flexible working.
- Why this job: Shape the future of rail infrastructure and work on iconic projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for rail or major infrastructure projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 55000 £ per year.
- Senior Estimator – Rail
- Kilnbridge Structures
- HQ – Canning Town
- Kilnbridge
Join Kilnbridge and play a leading role in securing some of the UK's most complex and high-profile rail infrastructure projects.
From major station developments and rail enhancements to structural and civil engineering schemes within highly regulated environments, you'll be instrumental in developing winning solutions that help transform the UK's transport network.
About Kilnbridge
Kilnbridge is the UK’s leading structures specialist, delivering some of the country’s most complex and iconic engineering, construction and infrastructure projects.
Our expertise spans the full lifecycle of a structure - design, build, adapt, repair and protect - delivered by four specialist operational businesses that combine seamlessly as One Kilnbridge to meet any project’s needs.
We are purpose led, focused on building a sustainable and resilient future for the UK, with a reputation for technical excellence, safety and quality built over 35 years.
As an employee-owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do - empowered to contribute, innovate and help shape our continued success.
If you want to develop your expertise, contribute to technically challenging projects and be part of a collaborative team, we’d love to hear from you.
The Role
Do you want the chance to help shape the future of Rail Infrastructure? Then this is the role for you
We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator – Rail Civils to join our growing Pre-Construction team.
Working alongside the Head of Estimating and senior operational teams, you'll lead the development of commercially robust and technically compelling bids across a range of rail and transportation infrastructure opportunities.
You'll be responsible for driving bid strategy, engaging with clients and supply chain partners, leading tender submissions and helping secure profitable projects for the business.
This is an ideal opportunity for an estimator who thrives on challenge, enjoys building client relationships and wants to influence major projects before they break ground.
What You'll Do
- Lead the preparation and submission of complex rail civils tenders and estimates.
- Develop winning bid strategies in collaboration with the Preconstruction Director.
- Manage bid programmes, budgets, risks and deliverables throughout the tender lifecycle.
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, suppliers and delivery teams.
- Coordinate technical, commercial, operational and supply chain input into submissions.
- Lead tender reviews, settlement meetings and client presentations.
- Identify key project risks and opportunities and develop mitigation strategies.
- Carry out market intelligence and competitor analysis to strengthen bid proposals.
- Support the successful handover of secured projects to delivery teams.
- Mentor and support junior estimators and bid team members.
- What You'll Need
- Proven estimating and pre-construction experience within rail, transportation or major infrastructure projects.
- Strong understanding of the construction tendering process and commercial principles.
- Experience leading and coordinating bids within complex project environments.
- Excellent stakeholder engagement and presentation skills.
- Strong commercial awareness and attention to detail.
- Experience using Candy or similar estimating software.
- Degree qualified, with professional membership (RICS, CIOB, ICE or similar) desirable.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines while maintaining quality.
Why Kilnbridge?
With major projects delivered across the UK - from national infrastructure to clean energy, buildings and complex structural works - Kilnbridge offers the opportunity to work on schemes that leave a lasting legacy on the built environment.
With a UK network of offices from London to Runcorn to Lisburn, we are a trusted partner in some of the most highly regulated, constrained and demanding environments.
We are proud to be an employee-owned organisation where every colleague has a real stake in our success and a voice in how we grow.
Our culture is shaped by four core values - Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence - which guide how we work and support one another every day.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Kilnbridge is an equal opportunities employer and a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme.
We are committed to creating a diverse workplace where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
We welcome discussions about flexible working and encourage applicants who may require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy or marital status.
Senior Estimator - Rail in Slough employer: Kilnbridge
Kilnbridge is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where employees are empowered to contribute and innovate. As an employee-owned business, we prioritise our people, fostering a culture of responsibility, integrity, teamwork, and excellence. With opportunities for career growth and the chance to work on iconic projects that shape the UK’s infrastructure, Kilnbridge is dedicated to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace that values every individual's contribution.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator - Rail in Slough
✨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 Kilnbridge, 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 - Rail at Kilnbridge.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator - Rail in Slough
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 Kilnbridge
✨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!
