Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead estimating for civil engineering projects and manage the full tender lifecycle.
- Company: Dynamic civil engineering firm with a focus on innovation and teamwork.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and opportunities to mentor junior staff.
- Other info: Join a team that values collaboration and offers excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in civil engineering while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in civil engineering estimating and strong commercial awareness required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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 employer: WM Donald
Contact Detail:
WM Donald Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Estimator
✨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
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your estimating skills and knowledge of NEC contracts. Be ready to discuss how you've tackled challenges in past projects and how you can bring value to the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Create a portfolio that highlights your best estimating work, including detailed estimates and successful tenders. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Estimator
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: Don’t just list your skills; demonstrate them! Use specific examples from your past work that show your commercial awareness and ability to manage multiple tenders. This will help us see how you can contribute to our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key achievements and experiences stand out without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get all the updates directly from us. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at WM Donald
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your proficiency in preparing detailed estimates. Brush up on your knowledge of cost databases and benchmarking data. Be ready to discuss how you've built estimates from first principles in past projects.
✨Master the NEC Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC contracts and UK construction procurement. During the interview, be prepared to explain how you’ve navigated contract conditions in previous roles and how that experience will benefit the company.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
Excellent communication is key in this role. Think of examples where you've effectively presented estimates and risks to senior management or collaborated with operational teams. This will show your ability to manage stakeholders and lead discussions.
✨Prepare for Pressure
Managing multiple tenders under pressure is part of the job. Share specific instances where you've successfully handled tight deadlines and how you prioritised tasks. This will highlight your organisational skills and resilience.