At a Glance
- Tasks: Support accurate cost estimates for exciting construction projects and collaborate with diverse teams.
- Company: Leading independent engineering firm with a rich history and innovative approach.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible benefits, private medical insurance, and personal development opportunities.
- Other info: Clear career progression path with ongoing training and support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact on groundbreaking projects.
- Qualifications: 3-5 years in estimating or commercial roles, strong analytical skills, and construction knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
Location: Leeds - Hybrid
Type: Permanent
Salary: Competitive + Car/Car Allowance + Flexible Benefits
We have an exciting opportunity for a Civils Cost Engineer to join our team, supporting the delivery of accurate and competitive cost estimates across a diverse portfolio of construction projects. This role plays a key part in the work-winning function, contributing to robust and defensible prime cost build-ups from pre-tender through to post-tender stages. You will be instrumental in strengthening bid competitiveness and enabling informed commercial decision-making.
Working closely with estimating, commercial, procurement, and project delivery teams, you will help ensure all tenders are accurate, compliant, and aligned with business objectives. Some of the key deliverables in this role will include:
- Producing accurate take-offs and Bills of Quantities for building and civils works
- Reviewing tender documentation and raising technical and commercial queries with clients
- Issuing enquiries to the supply chain and managing quotation returns
- Analysing and adjudicating subcontractor and supplier quotations to build robust prime costs
- Identifying and evaluating project risks and opportunities within estimates
- Supporting the development of competitive bid strategies
- Collaborating with internal teams to ensure alignment on scope, cost, and delivery approach
- Maintaining awareness of market conditions, pricing trends, and competitor activity
- Ensuring all estimates comply with company standards, processes, and governance
- Supporting tender presentations and client engagement where required
- Managing accurate records and documentation for all estimating activities
- Assisting with handover of tender information to project delivery teams post-award
We are looking for a detail-oriented and commercially aware professional who thrives in a collaborative environment. You will be someone who:
- Has 3–5 years experience working for a main or principal contractor in an estimating or commercial role
- Demonstrates strong analytical skills with the ability to evaluate multiple cost scenarios
- Has experience in building and civils estimating
- Is confident working with supply chain partners and internal stakeholders
- Understands construction methodologies, cost drivers, and risk management
- Can interpret drawings, specifications, and technical documentation accurately
- Is proactive, organised, and able to meet tight deadlines
- Shows initiative and a continuous improvement mindset
- Communicates effectively with both technical and non-technical stakeholders
Desirable:
- Design, commercial, or procurement background
- Working knowledge of complementary disciplines
- Relevant design or commercial qualifications
Benefits:
We are committed to supporting our people and offer a flexible and competitive benefits package, including:
- Car/Car allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme (Hybrid/Electric Vehicle)
- Pension with a leading provider and up to 8% employer contribution
- Personal Wellbeing and Volunteer Days
- Private Medical Insurance
- Free 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme (including counselling and legal advice)
- Flexible benefits such as Dental Insurance, Gym Membership, Travel Insurance, and Cycle to Work scheme
- Ongoing personal development and training opportunities
As a business, we are on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation. We will do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met.
About Us:
We are one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training. Working across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach allows us to work on fantastic ground-breaking projects, providing solutions using the latest tools and technologies. Progression is something we value, and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be.
Civils Cost Engineer employer: NG Bailey
Contact Detail:
NG Bailey Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Civils Cost Engineer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry, especially those who work in estimating or commercial roles. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your technical knowledge. Make sure you can confidently discuss cost estimation processes and methodologies. We want you to shine when it comes to showcasing your analytical skills and understanding of project risks.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, you’ll find all the latest opportunities tailored to your skills and experience.
We think you need these skills to ace Civils Cost Engineer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Civils Cost Engineer role. Highlight your relevant experience in estimating and commercial roles, and don’t forget to showcase your analytical skills and understanding of construction methodologies.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects or experiences that align with the job description and show us your enthusiasm for joining our team.
Showcase Your Collaboration Skills: Since this role involves working closely with various teams, make sure to highlight your collaborative experiences. Share examples of how you’ve successfully worked with internal stakeholders or supply chain partners in the past.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at NG Bailey
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Civils Cost Engineer, you'll need to demonstrate your analytical skills. Brush up on your cost estimation techniques and be ready to discuss how you approach producing accurate take-offs and Bills of Quantities. Prepare examples from your past experience where your estimates made a significant impact.
✨Understand the Tender Process
Familiarise yourself with the tender documentation and processes. Be prepared to talk about how you've raised technical and commercial queries in previous roles. This shows that you understand the importance of compliance and accuracy in tender submissions.
✨Collaborate and Communicate
This role requires working closely with various teams. Think of examples where you've successfully collaborated with estimating, commercial, or project delivery teams. Highlight your communication skills, especially when dealing with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
✨Stay Ahead of Market Trends
Show that you're proactive by discussing how you keep up with market conditions, pricing trends, and competitor activity. This knowledge will not only help you in the interview but also demonstrate your commitment to supporting competitive bid strategies.