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- Tasks: Lead estimating for civil engineering projects and manage the full tender lifecycle.
- Company: Join a leading civil engineering firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for mentorship.
- Other info: Great career growth potential and a supportive team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil engineering while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
About The Role
You will lead the estimating function on a range of civil engineering projects, producing accurate, competitive and commercially robust tenders. Working closely with operational, commercial and planning teams, you will manage the full tender lifecycle from initial enquiry through to submission, ensuring risks, opportunities, methodology and programme are fully considered and reflected in pricing.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the preparation of detailed estimates for civil engineering tenders.
- Review ITT documentation, drawings, specifications and contract conditions (including NEC).
- Prepare take-offs and develop rates for labour, plant, materials, temporary works and subcontract packages.
- Obtain, analyse and compare supplier and subcontractor quotations.
- Develop tender clarifications, assumptions and exclusions.
- Work with planners to integrate construction methodology and programme into pricing.
- Identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities within tenders.
- Support bid strategy, value engineering and alternative proposals.
- Lead estimating handovers to delivery teams post-award.
- Maintain cost databases, benchmarking data and estimating best practice.
- Mentor and support junior estimators where required.
- Present estimates and key risks clearly to senior management.
Essential Requirements
- Proven experience in estimating within civil engineering (e.g. earthworks, drainage, structures, highways, utilities).
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to build estimates from first principles.
- Good working knowledge of NEC contracts and UK construction procurement.
- Ability to manage multiple tenders and deadlines under pressure.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- High proficiency in Microsoft Excel.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- HNC/HND or Degree in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying or similar.
- Experience with estimating software (e.g. Causeway, Candy, CostX, Bluebeam).
- Professional membership (ICE, CIOB, RICS).
Senior Estimator in Aberdeen employer: WM Donald
Contact Detail:
WM Donald Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator in Aberdeen
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the civil engineering field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have a lead or be able to refer you to a hiring manager.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your game face on for interviews! Research the company and prepare to discuss how your experience aligns with their projects. Be ready to showcase your estimating skills and how you've tackled challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview, drop a quick thank-you email to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role. It keeps you fresh in their minds!
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got a streamlined process that makes it easy for you to submit your application. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at StudySmarter.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator in Aberdeen
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Estimator role. Highlight your experience in civil engineering estimating and any relevant projects you've worked on. We want to see how your skills match up with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: In your cover letter, don’t just list your qualifications; showcase your skills! Talk about your commercial awareness, ability to manage multiple tenders, and your proficiency in Microsoft Excel. We love seeing how you can bring value to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and concise. Use bullet points where possible to make it easy for us to read. We appreciate a well-structured application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Donald
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in producing accurate estimates. Brush up on your knowledge of labour rates, material costs, and plant expenses. Be ready to discuss how you develop these figures and the methodologies you use to ensure accuracy.
✨Familiarise Yourself with NEC Contracts
Since a good working knowledge of NEC contracts is essential, make sure you understand the key clauses and how they impact pricing. Prepare examples from your past experience where you've successfully navigated contract conditions to deliver competitive tenders.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Communication is key in this role. Think of instances where you've effectively collaborated with operational, commercial, and planning teams. Be prepared to share how you manage relationships and ensure everyone is aligned throughout the tender process.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to civil engineering projects. Review common challenges in estimating for earthworks, drainage, and structures. Being able to articulate your thought process and problem-solving skills will set you apart from other candidates.