Estimator – Major Civil Engineering & Infrastructure Projects Location: London – Close to Bank Station Salary: £55,000 – £75,000 + Excellent Benefits Package Working Arrangement: Office-based, ideally five days per week, although four days will be considered for the right candidate. The Opportunity We are working with a leading multinational civil engineering contractor with an exceptional pipeline of future work across the UK. The business is involved in some of the country's most significant infrastructure and civil engineering schemes, with major projects ranging from £100m to over £1bn. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Estimator to join an established and growing UK business, playing an important role within its bidding and tendering team. Based in London offices close to Bank Station, you will work alongside an experienced team of commercial, engineering, planning and construction professionals, helping secure and develop tenders for some of the UK's most high-profile infrastructure projects. The successful candidate will have previous experience working within a dedicated tendering or bidding team for a main contractor, ideally on major civil engineering or infrastructure projects. This is a pre-contract estimating position, requiring someone who understands the complete tender process and has experience developing and pricing competitive bids. Key Responsibilities * Prepare detailed and commercially robust cost estimates for major civil engineering and infrastructure tenders, covering direct work packages, preliminaries and indirect costs. * Work as an integral part of the bidding team, contributing to the preparation, development and submission of competitive tenders. * Collaborate closely with engineering, design, planning and construction teams to develop accurate estimates that reflect the proposed construction methodology, programme and project-specific requirements. * Develop cost estimates using both first-principles estimating and subcontractor/supplier quotations. * Assess construction methodologies, temporary works requirements, labour, plant, materials, staffing and project preliminaries. * Engage with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain, assess and validate quotations, rates and proposed methodologies. * Identify, assess and quantify commercial and project risks, incorporating appropriate allowances into tender estimates. * Review developing designs and assess their impact on project costs and budgets. * Provide estimating input into the evaluation and pricing of project changes. * Maintain and develop relationships with the supply chain, ensuring accurate and up-to-date cost information. * Maintain estimating databases, production rates and cost benchmarks, using project delivery feedback to improve estimating accuracy. * Work closely with the Chief Estimator and wider tender team to ensure the successful delivery of high-quality commercial submissions. About You We are looking for an experienced Estimator with a strong background in major civil engineering or infrastructure projects, ideally gained within a Tier 1 or Tier 2 main contractor environment. Previous experience working as part of a dedicated tendering or bidding team is essential. You will have a proven track record of contributing to the preparation, development and pricing of competitive tenders for major construction or infrastructure projects. You will ideally bring: * Proven experience as an Estimator within a main contractor or Tier 2 civil engineering business. * Strong experience working within a tendering/bidding team, preparing and pricing competitive tenders for major projects. * Experience estimating major civil engineering, infrastructure or complex construction schemes. * A thorough understanding of construction methodologies and their commercial implications. * The ability to develop detailed estimates using both first-principles and subcontractor/supplier quotations. * Experience working closely with planning, engineering, design and construction teams during the tender process. * Experience obtaining, analysing and validating subcontractor and supplier quotations. * Strong numerical, analytical and commercial skills. * Good working knowledge of estimating software and relevant IT systems. * Experience with quantitative risk assessment (QRA), sensitivity modelling and BIM-based estimating would be advantageous. * A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction or a related discipline. * RICS or equivalent professional accreditation would be beneficial. What's on Offer? £55,000 – £70,000 basic salary, depending on experience. Attractive additional benefits package. Opportunity to join a leading multinational civil engineering contractor. Excellent long-term career prospects within an established and growing UK business. Exposure to some of the UK's largest and most prestigious infrastructure projects. An impressive forward workload, with projects ranging from £100m to over £1bn. Opportunity to work alongside an experienced and highly capable estimating and bidding team. London office location, conveniently situated close to Bank Station. Five days per week in the office preferred, although four days per week will be considered for the right candidate. Why Consider This Opportunity? This is more than just another estimating position. The business has a fantastic pipeline of major UK infrastructure projects, providing long-term stability, excellent project exposure and the opportunity to play a meaningful role in securing some of the country's most significant construction contracts. You will be joining a globally established contractor with the resources, expertise and project pipeline to offer genuine long-term career opportunities. If you are an experienced Estimator with a strong pre-contract and tendering background and are looking to work on some of the UK's largest infrastructure schemes, this is an opportunity worth exploring. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential discussion
Estimator employer: Urban Connect
As a leading UK civil engineering and infrastructure contractor, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. Our remote-first approach allows for flexibility while still providing ample opportunities for professional growth and development within the team. Join us to be part of meaningful projects that contribute to essential water infrastructure, all while enjoying a supportive environment that values your expertise and leadership.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Urban Connect, 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 at Urban Connect.
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 Urban Connect
✨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!
