At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and produce competitive estimates for civils and drainage projects up to £5m.
- Company: Established civils contractor with a strong presence in rail, drainage, and utilities.
- Benefits: Salary up to £90,000, car allowance, increasing annual leave, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Join a supportive team with clear progression opportunities in a growing business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major tenders and mentor the next generation of estimators.
- Qualifications: Strong civils or infrastructure background with estimating experience on projects up to £5m.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 90000 € per year.
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established civils contractor with a strong and growing presence in rail, drainage and utilities. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join their team based in Welwyn Garden City.
This is a hands-on, senior-level role for someone who thrives on leading bids, shaping tender strategy and working collaboratively across commercial, engineering and planning functions. The company welcomes candidates from a broad range of backgrounds - including those who have progressed from site-based roles into estimating - and while rail experience is an advantage, strong civils or infrastructure experience is equally valued.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will take the lead on producing detailed, accurate and competitive estimates for civils and drainage works, typically on projects valued up to £5m. You will work closely with Bid Managers, Engineers, Planners and the Commercial team to define methodology and pricing approach, and will play a central role in securing new work in line with the company's growth objectives. The role carries responsibility for mentoring junior estimators, maintaining robust estimating systems and presenting adjudication packs to senior stakeholders. Following contract award, you will prepare handover documentation for operational teams and provide ongoing support through the mobilisation phase.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead Estimates
- Undertake and lead estimates in accordance with company procedures and tender requirements
- Mentor and develop junior estimators, particularly on larger, more complex tenders
- Liaise with Bid Managers, Engineers, Planners and the Commercial team to agree methodology and pricing principles
- Identify risks and opportunities throughout the tender process
- Maintain a register of key assumptions and keep the tender estimate file accurate and up to date
- Provide indicative pricing support for business development activity
- Obtain feedback from site teams on estimating accuracy and current cost levels
Adjudication
- Prepare estimating adjudication packs and present the basis of estimate and key assumptions to senior stakeholders
- Maintain notes of adjudication meetings and close out actions arising
- Monitor customer negotiations and seek amended authority as required
Handover & Post-Award Support
- Prepare handover packs for operational and commercial teams following contract award
- Maintain notes of handover meetings
- Provide ongoing support to site teams relating to the estimate and its key assumptions
What We're Looking For
- A strong background in civils, drainage, utilities or infrastructure - rail experience is welcome but not essential
- Proven experience preparing estimates on projects up to approximately £5m in value
- Numerate and IT literate, with good working knowledge of estimating software and Microsoft Excel
- Confident presenting to senior stakeholders and engaging with clients and internal teams at a senior level
- Strong commercial acumen and excellent attention to detail
- Ability to travel for client meetings and site visits as required
- Chartered, incorporated or equivalent professional status would be advantageous
- Candidates who have progressed from hands-on site roles into estimating are very welcome to apply
Salary & Benefits
- £70,000 - £90,000 depending on experience
- Car allowance
- 23 days annual leave, increasing with length of service
- Company pension
- Hybrid working - minimum 3 days per week in the office or on client site
Why Apply?
- Join a supportive, expanding contractor with a strong and growing project pipeline
- Real influence over bid strategy and tender decision-making at a senior level
- Opportunity to lead on major tender submissions and mentor the next generation of estimators
- A stable, long-term role with clear potential for progression
If you have the experience and ambition to make a real impact in a growing business, we'd be keen to hear from you.
Senior Estimator employer: RGH-Global
Join a well-established civils contractor in Welwyn Garden City, where you will thrive in a collaborative and supportive work culture that values your expertise and encourages professional growth. With competitive salaries, a generous benefits package including a car allowance and increasing annual leave, and the opportunity to lead major tender submissions while mentoring junior estimators, this role offers a meaningful career path in a dynamic environment focused on infrastructure development.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your passion for civils and infrastructure, and how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your estimating experience and how you've led successful bids in the past. Confidence is key, so rehearse your answers to common interview questions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in civils, drainage, and utilities, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the job description.
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 your hands-on experience, your ability to lead bids, and how you can contribute to the company's growth objectives.
Showcase Your Skills:Be sure to highlight your numeracy and IT skills, especially your proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Excel. These are key for the role, so give examples of how you've used these skills in past projects.
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!
How to prepare for a job interview at RGH-Global
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your numerical prowess. Brush up on your estimating software and Excel skills before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific projects where you’ve prepared estimates, focusing on the values and methodologies used.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This role involves working closely with various teams. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated with Bid Managers, Engineers, and Planners in the past. Highlight any experiences where your teamwork led to successful bids or improved processes.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
You'll be presenting to senior stakeholders, so practice articulating your thought process clearly. Prepare a mock presentation of an adjudication pack, focusing on how you would explain your key assumptions and the basis of your estimates.
✨Understand the Company’s Vision
Research the civils contractor's recent projects and growth objectives. Being able to align your experience with their goals will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the company culture. This can set you apart from other candidates.
