At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for major civil engineering projects and mentor junior estimators.
- Company: Leading UK civil engineering contractor with over 40 years of experience.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, medical insurance, and flexible benefits.
- Other info: Clear career progression opportunities and ongoing professional development.
- Why this job: Join a respected contractor and work on high-profile infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong numerical skills.
The predicted salary is between 45000 - 50000 £ per year.
- Senior Estimator
- Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
- Permanent | UK
The Opportunity
Our client is a leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor with over 40 years of experience delivering major projects across the water, transport, energy and built environment sectors.
Due to continued growth and a strong pipeline of secured work, they are looking to appoint an experienced
Senior Estimator to join their pre-construction team.
This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in securing high-value infrastructure projects while working with an established business that is known for investing in its people and promoting from within.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will lead the preparation of competitive and commercially robust estimates for major civil engineering projects, working closely with bid teams, planners and operational colleagues throughout the tender process.
You will also provide leadership and mentoring to junior estimators while helping shape winning tender strategies.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of estimates in line with company procedures.
- Manage and coordinate estimating activities for larger tenders.
- Mentor and support junior estimators within the team.
- Identify commercial opportunities and project risks during the tender stage.
- Work closely with Bid Managers, Planners and operational teams to develop tender methodologies.
- Produce and maintain key estimating assumptions and tender documentation.
- Prepare and present estimates during adjudication meetings.
- Support negotiations throughout the tender process.
- Produce detailed handover information for operational delivery teams following contract award.
- Provide estimating support for business development opportunities.
- Liaise with site teams to review estimating performance and improve future submissions.
About You
We're looking for an experienced estimator with a strong background in civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
Essential Experience
- Engineering or commercial background.
- HNC (or equivalent) in an engineering-related discipline.
- Proven experience estimating civil engineering projects, particularly within the water sector.
- Experience producing tenders valued up to £50 million.
- Strong commercial awareness and excellent numerical skills.
- Proficient with estimating software and Microsoft Excel.
- Ability to build strong working relationships with internal stakeholders and clients.
- Experience preparing commercially viable and technically achievable tender submissions.
Desirable
- Chartered or Incorporated Engineer status.
- Experience within wastewater, rail or tunnelling sectors.
- What's on Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Life assurance.
- Private medical insurance.
- Company car, car allowance or green car scheme (role dependent).
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays and additional loyalty days.
- Flexible benefits package.
- Employee Assistance Programme.
- Paid volunteering day.
- Ongoing professional development and leadership training.
- Clear opportunities for career progression within a growing organisation.
Why Apply?
This is an opportunity to join a highly respected contractor with a secure order book and long-term frameworks across some of the UK's largest infrastructure programmes.
You'll be joining a collaborative business that values technical excellence, career development and long-term employee investment while working on complex, high-profile civil engineering projects.
If you're an experienced Senior Estimator looking for your next challenge within a well-established infrastructure contractor, we'd like to hear from you.
- #INDCON
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Senior Estimator employer: KPI Recruiting Ltd
KPI Recruiting is an exceptional employer for those looking to thrive in the Engineering and Manufacturing recruitment sector. With a strong focus on employee development, our supportive work culture fosters growth through structured training and mentorship opportunities, allowing you to take ownership of your desk while being backed by a successful £45m recruitment business. Located in Sutton, you'll benefit from a vibrant community and access to a diverse range of high-value clients, making this an ideal environment for ambitious recruiters seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨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 KPI Recruiting Ltd, 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 KPI Recruiting Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
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 KPI Recruiting Ltd
✨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!