At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare competitive tenders and cost estimates for high voltage projects.
- Company: Established civil engineering firm with a strong reputation in the High Voltage sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, annual leave, and professional development opportunities.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities for career growth and nationwide travel.
- Why this job: Join a growing team and make a real impact on exciting infrastructure projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating construction projects and a degree in Civil Engineering or related field.
Location: Wirral, CH41 3QF (Office Based)
Salary: £60,000 - £70,000 per annum
Contract Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Start Date: Immediate
Summary
We are a well-established civil engineering business with specialist divisions operating within the High Voltage sector. With a strong reputation for delivering high-quality projects safely, on time and within budget across the UK, we are looking to expand our clients commercial team with the appointment of an experienced Estimator. This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious and commercially minded individual to join a growing business and play a key role in securing future work. Reporting directly to the Operations Director, you will be responsible for producing accurate cost estimates and competitive tenders for civil engineering and high voltage infrastructure projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare detailed and competitive tender submissions in line with client requirements and company standards.
- Review project drawings, specifications, tender documentation and submission requirements.
- Produce Bills of Quantities (BoQs) and activity schedules.
- Carry out accurate quantity take-offs, measurements and pricing.
- Produce cost forecasts in line with tender programmes.
- Identify suitable subcontractors and specialist suppliers for each project and assist with the evaluation of subcontractor quotations.
- Utilise appropriate estimating software and digital tools to complete cost take-offs and estimating activities.
- Work closely with the Commercial Manager to ensure estimates accurately reflect project requirements, risks and opportunities.
- Identify value engineering opportunities and recommend cost-effective alternative solutions where appropriate.
- Support bid submissions and attend tender review meetings.
- Maintain and update the tender register.
- Issue tender feedback documentation to clients following submissions.
Requirements
- Previous experience preparing estimates and pricing construction or civil engineering projects.
- Degree qualified, or equivalent, in Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
- Membership of a relevant professional body or qualification such as RICS, CIOB, RIBA, ICE or CIBSE is desirable.
- Good working knowledge of NEC3 and NEC4 forms of contract.
- Strong understanding of pricing, quantification and estimating methodologies.
- Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications and technical documentation.
- Experience carrying out drawing take-offs using software such as Bluebeam.
- Excellent numerical, commercial and analytical skills with the ability to identify risks and cost-saving opportunities.
- Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple tenders simultaneously.
- Previous experience within the High Voltage sector is essential, including work involving DNOs, substations, power stations, battery energy storage systems (BESS), cable installation and infrastructure projects up to 400kV.
What We Offer
- Competitive salary.
- Company pension.
- Annual leave plus bank holidays.
- Professional development and ongoing training support.
Ideal Candidate:
- Ideally based within commuting distance of the Wirral office.
- Primarily office based, with hybrid working considered for the right candidate.
- Ambitious, driven and capable of working within a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent organisational and multitasking abilities.
- Strong commercial awareness and negotiation skills.
- A proven track record of long-term employment.
- Previous experience working with High Voltage and Civil Engineering contractors.
- Experience delivering tenders for DNO and National Grid projects.
- Willingness to travel nationwide to attend tender meetings, including occasional overnight stays.
- References will be required as part of the recruitment process.
Search is an equal opportunities recruiter and we welcome applications from all suitably skilled or qualified applicants, regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/beliefs, sexual orientation or age.
Estimator - High Voltage Projects in Birkenhead employer: Search
Search is an exceptional employer that values innovation and growth, offering a dynamic work culture where employees can thrive in their careers. With hybrid working options in vibrant cities like Edinburgh and London, we provide our team with the flexibility to balance work and life while enjoying competitive salaries, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development in the travel industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Estimator - High Voltage Projects in Birkenhead
✨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 Search, 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 - High Voltage Projects at Search.
We think you need these skills to ace Estimator - High Voltage Projects in Birkenhead
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 Search
✨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!
