Senior Estimator Location: [Surrey / Hybrid] Reporting to: Pre-Construction Director / Estimating Manager Salary: Competitive + Car Allowance + Bonus + Benefits About the Role We are seeking an experienced Senior Estimator to join our growing Civil Engineering team. The successful candidate will play a key role within the pre-construction function, leading the preparation of competitive and commercially robust tenders across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure projects valued up to £75 million. Projects will include highways, enabling works, deep drainage, Energy from Waste (EfW) infrastructure, rail and major civil engineering schemes for both public and private sector clients. You will be responsible for managing the full estimating process from initial enquiry through to tender submission, working closely with operational, commercial and design teams to develop winning bid strategies and deliver accurate, risk-adjusted cost plans. Key Responsibilities * Lead and manage the preparation of estimates and tender submissions for projects ranging from £1m to £75m. * Review tender documentation, specifications, drawings and contract requirements. * Develop detailed cost estimates, pricing models and tender strategies. * Prepare and issue subcontractor and supplier enquiries. * Analyse subcontractor quotations and undertake detailed commercial comparisons. * Develop preliminary construction methodologies and programmes in conjunction with delivery teams. * Maintain and develop estimating databases, benchmarking information and historical cost records. * Work collaboratively with project managers, planners, engineers and commercial teams during bid preparation. Essential Experience & Qualifications * Minimum 8-10 years' estimating experience within the civil engineering and infrastructure sector. * Proven track record of successfully pricing and securing projects up to £75m in value. * Strong experience across one or more of the following sectors: * Highways * Enabling works * Deep drainage and utilities * Energy from Waste (EfW) * Major civil engineering projects * Strong understanding of NEC forms of contract. * Ability to prepare detailed first-principles estimates. * Experience using industry estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite. Desirable Experience * Degree or HNC/HND in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar discipline. * Experience working with Tier 1 or leading regional civil engineering contractors. * Experience of Design & Build procurement routes. * Key Competencies * Strong analytical and numerical skills. * Commercially astute with excellent attention to detail. * Strategic thinker with the ability to identify competitive advantages. * Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills
Senior Estimator in Sunbury-on-Thames employer: SSA Recruitment
Join a leading Civil Engineering & Utilities contractor that prioritises employee growth and development, offering long-term projects in the vibrant city of London. With a strong focus on health and safety, competitive salaries, and comprehensive benefits including car allowances and healthcare, this company fosters a collaborative work culture where your contributions are valued and recognised. Embrace the opportunity to advance your career through ongoing training and support while working on impactful water projects that make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Sunbury-on-Thames
✨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 SSA Recruitment, 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 SSA Recruitment.
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 SSA Recruitment
✨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!
