Senior Estimator – Civil Engineering
Location: Chesterfield (with travel as required)
We are working on behalf of a well-established civil engineering contractor who is looking to appoint a Senior Estimator to strengthen their pre-contracts capability.
This is a senior, influential role within the business, offering genuine involvement in bid strategy, commercial risk assessment and tender leadership, rather than simply price-building. The successful candidate will play a key role in securing future work and shaping how tenders are approached from a commercial and operational standpoint.
The role will be based from Chesterfield, with occasional travel to project locations including Huntingdon and Peterborough, and periodic attendance at Head Office in Ipswich. A full UK driving licence is essential.
You will report directly to the Pre-Contracts Director and work closely with senior operational, commercial and procurement stakeholders across the business.
The Role
As Senior Estimator, you will take ownership of complex civil engineering tenders from initial enquiry through to submission, providing leadership, commercial insight and governance throughout the pre-contracts process.
This position will suit an experienced estimator who is comfortable challenging assumptions, managing risk, and presenting commercially robust solutions at tender review stage.
Key Responsibilities
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Leading the preparation and submission of high-value civil engineering tenders
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Managing and coordinating all tender information across internal teams and external stakeholders
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Developing detailed cost plans, including labour, plant, materials, prelims and overheads
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Engaging with supply chain partners to obtain competitive and compliant quotations
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Establishing tender programmes and managing bid timescales
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Identifying, assessing and advising on commercial and contractual risk
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Contributing to tender strategy, pricing reviews and quality submissions
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Supporting procurement and buying strategies during pre-contracts stage
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Monitoring tender progress and ensuring alignment with commercial forecasts
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Presenting and clearly communicating tender financials to delivery teams at handover
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Ensuring full compliance with company quality, safety and environmental procedures
Candidate Profile
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Proven experience as a Senior Estimator within a main contractor environment
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Strong background delivering tenders for civil engineering projects
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In-depth knowledge of estimating methodologies and commercial risk management
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Highly competent in cost analysis and spreadsheet-based estimating tools
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Confident communicator, capable of influencing senior stakeholders
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Commercially astute, detail-driven and deadline-focused
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Eligible to work in the UK