At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and shape estimates for complex civil engineering projects up to £50m.
- Company: Established contractor in the UK water and civils sector with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Opportunity to mentor, competitive salary, and involvement from tender to site delivery.
- Other info: Join a supportive team that values your expertise and offers career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading tenders and shaping project outcomes.
- Qualifications: Experience in water and civils estimating with strong Excel skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
A well-established, specialist contractor in the UK water and civils sector is looking for a Senior Estimator to take ownership of its tender pipeline. This is a role where your estimate shapes the outcome. You will lead the pricing of complex civil engineering schemes, from the first conversation through to adjudication and handover to the delivery team. You will then stay involved to support site teams once the job is won.
Key Responsibilities
- Leading estimates on civil engineering and water schemes, with tenders of up to £50m
- Leading and mentoring a team of estimators on the larger bids
- Working alongside Bid Managers, Planners and the business unit to agree methodology and build the win strategy
- Spotting opportunities and risks early, and making sure every submission is both competitive and profitable
- Presenting the basis of estimate at adjudication, then handing over to site teams on award
- Shaping indicative pricing for business development
- Using feedback from site teams to keep your rates current and your assumptions sharp
What you will bring
- Water and civils estimating experience, with a proven record on tenders up to £50m
- An engineering or commercial background (HNC or equivalent)
- Chartered or incorporated status, or similar
- Strong Excel and estimating software skills
- Knowledge of wastewater, rail or tunnelling is a real advantage
Why it’s worth a conversation
You will join a business that values technical depth and gives its estimators a real voice in how work is won and delivered. You will lead tenders, mentor others and see your estimates through to site, rather than being a number-cruncher at the end of the process.
Senior Estimator employer: Talent Link
Join a forward-thinking contractor in Portsmouth, where your expertise as a Design Manager will be valued and nurtured. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and professional growth, alongside competitive benefits tailored to support your well-being. Be part of a dynamic team dedicated to delivering impactful water infrastructure projects that make a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨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 Talent Link, 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 Talent Link.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
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 Talent Link
✨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!
