At a Glance
- Tasks: Create accurate cost estimates for exciting highway and civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join a reputable highways contractor with a focus on local authority projects.
- Benefits: Earn between £50,000 - £80,000, plus bonuses, car allowance, and 25 days holiday.
- Other info: Enjoy long-term career growth and a supportive team environment.
- Why this job: Be part of impactful projects that shape communities across London and the East of England.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for highways or civil engineering is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 80000 £ per year.
Location: Rainham, Essex
Salary: £50,000 - £80,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + 25 Days Holiday
Job Type: Full Time | Permanent
Join a Growing Highways Contractor Delivering Major Local Authority Projects
We're looking for an experienced Estimator to join an established and expanding highways contractor based in Rainham, Essex. This is an excellent opportunity for an Estimator with experience in highways, surfacing, civil engineering or infrastructure to play a key role in securing a diverse range of projects across London and the East of England. You'll be working on everything from local authority term maintenance contracts through to standalone civil engineering and Section 278 schemes, becoming an integral part of a business with an excellent reputation for delivering quality highway projects.
The Role
Working closely with the commercial and operational teams, you'll be responsible for producing accurate, commercially competitive tenders across a varied portfolio of highway maintenance and civil engineering projects. Projects will include:
- Highway maintenance works
- Carriageway and footway resurfacing
- Section 278 schemes
- Civil engineering projects
- Drainage works
- Public realm improvements
- Private developer works
- Local authority framework projects
Key Responsibilities
- Preparing accurate cost estimates and tender submissions
- Reviewing drawings, specifications and tender documentation
- Completing detailed take-offs and bills of quantities
- Pricing labour, plant, materials and subcontract packages
- Obtaining and analysing supplier and subcontractor quotations
- Identifying commercial risks and value engineering opportunities
- Liaising with clients, suppliers and internal delivery teams
- Supporting handover from tender stage through to project delivery
- Managing multiple tenders simultaneously whilst meeting deadlines
About You
We're keen to speak with Estimators who have experience within one or more of the following sectors:
- Highways
- Civil Engineering
- Road Surfacing
- Infrastructure
- Utilities
- Groundworks
You'll ideally have:
- Previous estimating experience within highways or civil engineering
- Strong commercial awareness
- Excellent attention to detail
- Ability to interpret drawings and specifications
- Good understanding of estimating software and Microsoft Office
- Excellent organisational and communication skills
- The ability to work independently whilst contributing to a collaborative team environment
What's On Offer?
- Salary between £50,000 and £80,000, depending on experience
- Performance-related bonus
- Car allowance
- 25 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Long‑term career progression
- Stable pipeline of local authority and private sector projects
- Supportive and experienced commercial team
- Opportunity to work on varied and technically interesting schemes
Apply
If you're an experienced Estimator looking to join a growing business with an excellent reputation in the highways and civil engineering sector, we'd like to hear from you. Apply today with your CV for a confidential discussion.
Estimator - Highways & Civil Engineering employer: RecXchange
RecXchange is an exceptional employer for independent recruiters in Greater Lincolnshire, offering a unique opportunity to work autonomously while benefiting from high commissions on successful placements. With access to advanced recruiting tools and a supportive network, you can build your own client base in a dynamic work culture that values innovation and flexibility, making it an ideal environment for professional growth and success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator - Highways & Civil Engineering
✨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 RecXchange, 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 Estimator - Highways & Civil Engineering at RecXchange.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator - Highways & Civil Engineering
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 RecXchange
✨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!
