Senior Estimator (Civils) in Whitehaven

We are currently recruiting for an experienced Senior Estimator to join a major civil infrastructure framework supporting complex projects within the nuclear decommissioning sector. This position will play a key role in the work-winning and pre-construction function, supporting the successful delivery of large-scale civil engineering and infrastructure projects within a highly regulated environment. The successful candidate will be responsible for the preparation, coordination, and submission of accurate and commercially competitive tenders across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure works. The role would suit an experienced estimator with a strong background in heavy civils, infrastructure, or major project environments and a detailed understanding of pricing methodologies, procurement processes, construction techniques, and commercial risk management.

The Role

Working closely with Bid Managers, Commercial teams, Design Managers, Planning teams, Procurement, and Operational Delivery leads, you will take responsibility for developing robust cost estimates and tender submissions from first principles through to final settlement. Projects are expected to include a range of major civils and infrastructure activities such as:

• Bulk earthworks and enabling works
• Reinforced concrete structures
• Infrastructure and utility upgrades
• Drainage and highways packages
• Structural and temporary works
• Complex construction activities within regulated environments

Key Responsibilities

Commercial & Bid Support

• Ensure company governance procedures and commercial controls are followed throughout the tendering process
• Work collaboratively with Bid Managers to develop commercially competitive tender submissions
• Support the development of tender strategies, pricing methodologies, and risk mitigation plans
• Advise Bid and Design teams on the most cost-effective construction and engineering solutions
• Develop and price alternative design and construction methodologies where required
• Review client Bills of Quantities, activity schedules, and tender documentation to assess completeness and commercial risk
• Carry out full quantity take-offs and pricing validations where necessary

Estimating & Cost Planning

• Prepare detailed estimates for major infrastructure and civil engineering tenders and budget pricing exercises
• Produce robust first-principles estimates using labour, plant, material, and subcontract build-ups
• Develop local labour and plant rates for self-delivered works activities
• Ensure labour pricing incorporates current working agreements, wage requirements, and project-specific conditions
• Coordinate with Planning teams to reconcile programme durations, resource levels, and productivity assumptions
• Prepare scheme-specific labour and resource calculations where required

Procurement & Supply Chain

• Liaise with Procurement teams to identify appropriate suppliers and subcontractors for tender enquiries
• Assess supplier and subcontractor quotations for technical compliance, scope coverage, and commercial accuracy
• Produce detailed comparison sheets identifying exclusions, assumptions, risks, and rate adjustments
• Support the selection of preferred suppliers and subcontractors for inclusion within the final estimate

Temporary Works & Construction Methodology

• Coordinate with Planning, Engineering, and Temporary Works teams to define temporary works requirements
• Ensure temporary works costs and methodologies are fully captured within tender submissions
• Review construction methodologies to ensure estimates align with proposed delivery strategies and site constraints

Preliminaries & Staff Costs

• Develop preliminary cost estimates aligned to programme durations and project requirements
• Coordinate staffing assumptions with operational and bid delivery teams
• Ensure shift patterns, overtime assumptions, and out-of-hours working arrangements are reflected accurately within pricing models
• Ensure compliance with working time regulations and fatigue management requirements where applicable

Risk Management & Tender Settlement

• Support the development and maintenance of tender risk and opportunity registers
• Participate in tender reviews, pre-settlement meetings, and final settlement discussions
• Prepare tender summary documentation and pricing build-ups for senior review
• Coordinate settlement adjustments and ensure final tender submissions are commercially robust and compliant
• Support post-tender clarification activities and client negotiations where required
• Ensure pricing strategies support positive project cash flow and commercial performance

Project Handover & Lessons Learned

• Prepare detailed handover documentation for successful tenders
• Support commercial and operational teams during project mobilisation and handover
• Participate in post-tender reviews and feedback sessions to support continuous improvement across future bids

Candidate Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience as a Senior Estimator or Estimator within major civil engineering or infrastructure projects
• Strong background in heavy civils, infrastructure, or regulated construction environments
• Detailed understanding of estimating principles, pricing methodologies, and tendering processes
• Strong understanding of NEC forms of contract and commercial management principles
• Experience preparing first-principles estimates for complex infrastructure works
• Excellent analytical, commercial, and negotiation skills
• Ability to interpret technical drawings, specifications, and construction methodologies
• Proficient in estimating software and commercial reporting tools
• Strong communication and stakeholder management capability

Desirable

• Previous experience within the nuclear sector or highly regulated industries
• Knowledge of decommissioning, infrastructure upgrade, or major framework environments
• Understanding of collaborative working arrangements and alliance/project partnership models
• Experience supporting bids within large-scale framework or public sector procurement environments
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, or related discipline

Required Knowledge

• Strong understanding of civil engineering and construction delivery techniques
• Detailed knowledge of estimating systems, cost planning methodologies, and commercial controls
• Understanding of procurement legislation and supply chain engagement processes
• Commercial awareness across a variety of contract forms and delivery models
• Understanding of governance, compliance, and assurance procedures associated with major infrastructure work-winning activities
• Familiarity with complex infrastructure delivery within regulated project environments

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to join a long-term infrastructure framework delivering technically complex projects within one of the UK's most demanding sectors. You will play a critical role in securing and shaping major infrastructure programmes, working alongside experienced project and commercial teams on high-value civil engineering opportunities.