Estimator (Civils) – Contract
Location: Falmer, East Sussex
Contract: 12 Months
Day Rate: £450 – £550 (Outside IR35)
Join a Leading UK Water Sector Programme
We’re excited to be recruiting on behalf of a respected and forward-thinking client in the UK water industry, currently delivering major infrastructure upgrades across the South East. As part of their expansion, they’re seeking an experienced Estimator to join the commercial team on a 12-month contract.
This is a high-impact role offering the opportunity to work on critical water and wastewater treatment projects, ranging up to £20M in value. It’s an ideal fit for an Estimator who thrives in complex environments and enjoys working autonomously with visible results.
Key Responsibilities
* Prepare budget estimates during optioneering and help define target prices for contract award.
* Review civil designs and specifications to ensure tender compliance with project briefs.
* Develop BOQs/activity schedules in line with client cost systems.
* Accurately price all civil elements: labour, plant, materials, and subcontractors.
* Coordinate with M&E estimators on temporary treatment processes.
* Attend site visits across the South East, if required.
* Evaluate and negotiate supplier and subcontractor quotations.
* Build estimates using bottom-up first principles and standardised rate libraries.
* Contribute to internal governance, risk assessments, and post-tender reviews.
* Provide input into continuous improvement and cost-efficiency strategies.
✅ What You’ll Need
Essential:
* A qualification in Civil Engineering (or similar).
* Strong working knowledge of civil construction (earthworks, RC bases, pipework, chambers, ductwork, etc.).
* Proven ability to work across multiple concurrent tenders in a framework or fast-paced project environment.
* Excellent MS Excel skills and confidence working with cost modelling tools.
* Able to interpret detailed construction programmes and develop simple critical path models.
Desirable:
* Experience in the water/utilities sector.
* Understanding of treatment and pumping systems.
* Comfortable operating in multi-disciplinary engineering environments.
* Holds a CSCS card (or can obtain one quickly).
* Previous experience preparing bottom-up estimates using first principles.
What’s on Offer
* Competitive day rate: £450 – £550/day, outside IR35.
* A long-term, high-profile contract with autonomy and visibility.
* Involvement in critical infrastructure with a respected UK client.
* Collaborative and supportive working environment.
If you’re an experienced Estimator ready to step into a pivotal role on transformational water sector projects, apply today to be considered.
Immediate availability or short notice preferred.