Senior Estimator – Utilities (Water Bias)
West Midlands
Full-time | Permanent
Up to £85,000 per annum + package (DOE)
The Opportunity
An established and growing infrastructure and utilities contractor is looking to appoint an experienced Senior Estimator to support a strong pipeline of framework and project work across the West Midlands.
This is a key position within a close-knit pre-construction team, offering direct day-to-day interaction with senior leadership, real influence over bid strategy and a clear route for progression.
The role is design-led and solution-focused, so it will suit someone with a strong background in the water sector (with an appreciation of associated electrical / MEICA elements) who is comfortable building estimates from first principles and developing methodologies — rather than purely pricing from historic rates.
Key Responsibilities
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Prepare accurate, comprehensive and timely estimates and tender submissions for utility infrastructure projects.
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Build estimates from first principles using industry estimating software (e.g. Candy or equivalent) in line with internal cost libraries.
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Review drawings, specifications and client requirements to develop buildable and commercially viable solutions.
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Produce and maintain accurate quantities from available information to ensure robust project launch.
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Support design-and-build tenders, developing outline / draft design proposals where required.
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Evaluate project scope, risk and pricing strategy across multiple concurrent tenders.
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Obtain, analyse and level subcontractor and supplier quotations.
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Identify value engineering opportunities and alternative construction methodologies.
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Lead tender handover into delivery teams, preparing clear and structured handover documentation.
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Work closely with operational, commercial and senior management teams to shape bid strategy.
Experience Required
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Proven experience in an Estimator / Senior Estimator role within the utilities sector, with a strong water bias.
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Demonstrable experience producing accurate first-principles estimates.
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Experience quantifying from drawings and technical information.
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Background in design-and-build tenders and developing cost-effective solutions.
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Good understanding of electrical / MEICA interfaces within utility schemes.
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Experience working in a framework / programme-driven environment with multiple tender deadlines.
Personal Attributes
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High level of accuracy and attention to detail
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Strong commercial awareness
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Analytical with a proactive, solutions-focused approach
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Ability to take ownership of tenders from initial review through to handover
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Confident communicator, comfortable liaising with senior stakeholders
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Collaborative team player in a fast-paced environment
Qualifications
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HNC / HND / Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying or a related discipline
or
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Equivalent industry experience in a professional estimating role
Professional membership (or working towards) is desirable but not essential.
Whats on Offer
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Salary up to £85,000 per annum depending on experience
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Clear and genuine progression within a growing business
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Direct exposure to directors and involvement in business-critical bids
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Varied, technically interesting utility infrastructure projects
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Supportive, agile and highly collaborative working environment