At a Glance
- Tasks: Prepare accurate tenders and manage key bids for exciting infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join VolkerHighways, a leader in highways and street lighting maintenance.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive pay, flexible working, and comprehensive training opportunities.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team that values fairness, inclusion, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while driving business growth.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating for highways or civil engineering projects is essential.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities. We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.
This role is pivotal in supporting the business to achieve its turnover and profitability targets through accurate pricing and successful tendering.
Key Responsibilities- Prepare accurate tenders for capital projects and maintenance contracts.
- Manage key tender bids and ensure timely, accurate submissions.
- Interpret technical, commercial, and contractual requirements in tender documentation.
- Review and prepare tender pricing (including from first principles) for:
- Highway Term Maintenance contracts (up to £30m–£50m per annum).
- Schemes and projects up to £10m.
- Traffic management works.
- Complete tender reviews and attend Stakeholder meetings.
- Ensure compliance with all quality assurance requirements related to estimating.
- Compile and reconcile material and subcontract quotation enquiries.
- Complete tender handovers for awarded contracts and assist the Commercial team as required.
- Compare final contract costs against tender allowances.
- Develop and implement pricing strategies to maximise opportunities for winning work.
- Deliver comprehensive estimating services in line with company policies and procedures.
- Actively pursue alternatives and innovative solutions.
- Review and propose improvements to purchasing processes.
- Develop supply chain policy and philosophy in collaboration with the Business Manager.
We’re looking for a proactive and detail-driven Senior Estimator who thrives in a fast-paced environment and is passionate about delivering excellence. To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:
- Proven experience in estimating within highways or similar civil engineering projects.
- Track record of securing profitable contracts and contributing to business growth.
- Strong skills in tender handover and ensuring smooth transitions to delivery teams.
- Excellent presentation and communication abilities, confident in client-facing situations.
- Collaborative mindset – a team player and motivator who inspires others.
- Solid understanding of contract conditions, specifications, and technical drawings.
- Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines without compromising quality.
- IT proficiency, including estimating software and Microsoft Office tools.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerHighways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients.
We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees. We offer a range of benefits, including:
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
- Option to buy additional annual leave
- Private medical care
- Pension
- Life Assurance
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts
- Training and development opportunities-comprehensive skills-based training
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefit
- Flexible working opportunities
- Employee Assistance programme
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support
- 24/7 Virtual GP service
Fairness, inclusion and respect: We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
If you need support with your application, please contact us at careers@volkerwessels.co.uk
Senior Estimator employer: VolkerFitzpatrick Limited
VolkerFitzpatrick is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where apprentices can thrive in the engineering and construction sector. With a commitment to employee development, including opportunities for degree apprenticeships and professional membership, the company fosters a culture of safety and teamwork while ensuring that all employees are supported in their growth. Located in the UK, VolkerFitzpatrick not only values diversity through its Disability Confident scheme but also provides a stable and rewarding career path in a well-established firm with over 100 years of experience.
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 VolkerFitzpatrick Limited, 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 VolkerFitzpatrick Limited.
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 VolkerFitzpatrick Limited
✨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!
